Entry #535 - Written by Adyson Sweetwater
Okay. So it's been a few days since Isabella decided to resign from the Fireside Girls. I refuse to say the word 'quit,' because I know Isabella's not a quitter. She never has been. Never will be.
The following week at school, the girls take note of the fact that Isabella has decided not to ride the bus, instead opting to have her parents drive her. She would not arrive in class until seconds just before the final bell rang, leaving no time for any of the girls to talk to her before class. When it came to going anywhere in the school, Isabella would always line up at the front of the line, next to their teacher, Mr. Worth, so no one would talk to her around him. At lunch, she would tell Phineas to sit alone with her, instead of with all their friends. And he would comply fully, with one exception… Ferb, whom Isabella allowed to come. And during recess, Isabella would do her best to keep away from everyone, continually moving around the playground until anyone who would try to chase her down gave up.
In one last feeble attempt to get Isabella to talk to them, the girls gathered around her locker at the end of the day Friday. They knew it was a blisteringly cold 25 degrees outside and that she would have to get her coat out before going home.
But to their surprise, Isabella walked right by all of them, heading for the exit, choosing to brave the icy weather and risk catching a cold rather than get her coat and have to explain to her former troop members - and close friends - why she decided to leave the Fireside Girls.
The girls all looked at each other; each of them thinking about stepping forward and demanding an answer from their ex-leader, but none of them able to muster up the courage to do so. And so they all watched helplessly as Isabella turned and passed through the double doors leading to the stairwell.
Though could you blame us if we began thinking so?
"Fireside Diaries"
Story Written by Freedom Fighter
And with that, the make-up of Troop 46231 has changed as we begin the fifth and final season of the "Fireside Diaries." With Isabella gone, who's in charge? And will they bond with the new leader in time to prepare for a certain upcoming Valentine's Day event?
Disclaimer: The characters of 'Phineas and Ferb' belong to Disney and not me.
Prerequisite (read the following first before reading this):
- Entry #534 ("Fireside Diaries," Episode 413)
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Entry #535 [FSD501] - The New Queen Bee (02.10.14)
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The next morning, February 12th…
For the first time in over a year, more than a dozen girls filled the lodge belonging to Fireside Girls Troop 46231. They had just wrapped up the first official meeting of the troop since absorbing the membership of Troop 28933, by recommendation of the Lodge Realignment and Closure Commission. At the moment, there were engaging in two tasks. One, they were completing the renovations that had started last week. And two, they were training for Monday night's Tri-State Area Sweetheart Dance, where the troop was volunteering as runners of the function.
And the person leading the controlled chaos existing inside the cabin-like building? Elizabeth Griffths-Hollingberry, who was elected president at the end of the previous meeting.
"COME ON!" she bellowed. "I want ye all to have this place in ship-shape in an hour! Get those ribbons tied tight, those flowers potted properly, and those bookcases dust-free!"
"Aye aye, Chief!" exclaimed the girls in response. Well, some of them.
Elizabeth was pleased that the girls she was formerly in command in as leader of Troop 28933 were doing what they were told, as fast as they could. The girls that had been under Troop 46231's ex-leader, though, did not share that same enthusiasm. A couple of them were just lounging around, not doing anything at all, and those that were doing so were lackadaisical about it.
"What is ye girls problem?" she asked, unhappy at their blatant defiance of her orders. "I am in charge now, so ye have to follow me!"
The girls nodded in acknowledgement, but they did not appear motivated to work harder. Seeing this, though, one of them decided to voice her displeasure.
"HELLO! Our leader gave us a direct order! What did Isabella always tell us?"
Gretchen quickly replied back. "To never disobey a direct order, Adyson! Right, girls?"
The others again nodded. This time, though, they listened. Those on the couch got up, and all of them started working at top speed, almost as fast as Elizabeth's girls.
"At least one of ye realizes when she be beat," Elizabeth said braggingly, walking over to Adyson. "At least someone knows their place!"
"You know the only reason we're all listening to you is because we respect the order of the Fireside Girls, right?"
"Say wha?"
"That, and we're in the midst of getting ready for the Sweetheart Dance Monday. After that's over, Elizabeth, believe me… we will find a way to protest your election."
Elizabeth sighed. "Ye may do whatever ye wish Tuesday morning, dear Addy, but this dance is my first major function as leader of the new Troop 46231! Do not think that I will not be afraid to kick any of you out for insubordination or sabotage? Do I make myself clear, Sweetwater?"
"Crystal," Adyson replied, stoically.
With that, Elizabeth marched off to check on her more-willing charges. Adyson went back to what she was doing: figuring out the best arrangement for all of the tables in the dance hall.
Yeah, we're still bitter about Elizabeth winning the election and becoming troop leader, even if she did so by the book. Still, it's hard to follow someone who has been a bitter rival to us, one who never looked favorably on us in competition. We'd do anything we could to see her removed from office. Well, anything that doesn't sully the good name of the Fireside Girls or our troop. We have too much respect for the organization that brought us all together a few years ago and made us all lifelong friends, and we're not going to damage everything we've worked for just to take down one thorn in our side.
No matter how much we're tempted to do so.
Adyson sighed loudly, and then waited until Elizabeth was out of earshot before she voiced a thought; one that she knew was also on the other girls' minds.
"I wonder if Isabella's going to be at the dance on Monday."
But that was more than an idle thought, or an open-ended question. We knew for sure she was going to be there. After all, Ferb told me that Isabella had helped him and Phineas out with all of the cool contraptions that they were planning to employ to make it, well, to be blunt, a 'Phineas and Ferb' dance.
In fact, we also knew for a fact that she was at their house.
Right now.
Isabella was indeed in the brothers' backyard. The boys were hard at work on their latest invention, and she was helping. And by helping, that meant Isabella was Phineas' right-hand girl, giving him whatever he needed, whenever he needed it.
"Just a few more tweaks and we're all set!" Phineas said. "Isabella, hand me that box by your feet."
Isabella complied, grabbing a small box off of the grass that could easily be held in one's hand. She gave it to Phineas.
"What's in it?"
"A splash of color."
Turning the opening of the box towards the machine in front of him, Phineas flipped it open. A literal splash of color, of the baby blue variety, landed on their invention-of-the-day, just to liven up its appearance a little.
"Alright, we're ready! Ferb?"
Ferb handed Phineas a two-knob remote control. He turned the top knob slightly, just enough to turn the machine on. A small refurbished disco sphere rose out of the top of it. He turned the knob some more, making the sphere rise up until it was about 15 feet up off the ground or so. Phineas then moved to the second knob, and turned that about halfway on.
"Voila!"
Radio waves started transmitting from the sphere. It was not immediately clear as to what they did at first. Suddenly, out in the neighborhood, married couples started kissing, dating couples began hugging each other, and a young pair of kids stopped fighting over a ball. In the Flynn-Fletcher backyard, Isabella openly sighed as she rested her head on Phineas' right shoulder. And he did not think anything off about it, smiling as he glanced over at her.
"It's safe to say that we've successfully found a way to spread love and peace across the Tri-State Area so that no one will spend Valentine's lonely or heartbroken."
"That's so sweet, Phineas!" cooed Isabella.
"Oh! One more thing!"
Phineas looked over at Ferb, who toggle a switch on the machine labeled 'Safety' from off to on. After doing so, he gave a thumbs up.
"That'll keep the influential rays at a safe level. We want everyone to be happy, but we also don't want to force someone to be with a person they don't like."
Isabella gulped with worry. He… he could not be talking about him in reference to her, right?
"Of course," Phineas grinned as he turned back to Isabella, "that's not a problem for us. Is it?"
Isabella giggled with relief. "Nope. No, it isn't."
She lifted her head off of Phineas' shoulder so he could inspect the machine with Ferb for any possible problems before they would turn it up to full power. Isabella just stood there and watched, content with watching them do their thing.
"So, Ferb…" Phineas said, making small talk with his brother, "ready for the Sweetheart Dance on Monday?"
The words 'Sweetheart Dance' reverberated in Isabella's ears. She listened closely as Phineas continued to talk.
"The Fireside Girls are all gonna be there. If you know what I mean…"
She then heard 'Fireside Girls,' and suddenly her heart sank.
"I'm not planning any extracurricular activities, if that's what you're thinking."
Phineas put an arm around Ferb's shoulder. "Whoa, whoa, I'm talking about one dance here, one dance there… nothing wrong with getting to know them a little more…"
They walked far enough that Isabella could now only make out mumbles instead of coherent words. But her mind was not on Phineas trying to nimbly set up with Ferb with one of her friends, but on the fact that her friends were going to be there. The same friends she had been actively avoiding for the past week.
Isabella's mind was racing! She thought, "What am I going to do? I can't avoid them forever! I want to go to the dance because it'll be my first real time out with Phineas, but with the girls there, I'll just be hounded with questions about why I left and why I refuse to be candid to them about it."
Well, that's what I would be thinking if I were Isabella.
"We're still driving you there, right, Isabella?"
Isabella snapped to attention, not realizing the boys had come back over, having finished their little chat.
"Uh huh," she mumbled, so surprised by their sudden return that those were the only words she could get out of her mouth.
"Seven's fine? That should be enough time to get ready after we get home from school on Monday. Actually, you know what. 7:30, just to be safe."
"Oh! School. 'Cause Valentine's Day is on a Monday this year, heh heh." Isabella let out an uncomforting chuckle.
"That's what the calendar says," confirmed Phineas, holding one up with the day circled on it.
"Monday at 7:30 then."
With that, Isabella left.
Isabella couldn't help but wonder, "Surely Phineas has figured out why I left the Fireside Girls. And as much as I appreciate getting to spend even more time with him now, there's no way he's okay with this, right? It's great to know now that he likes me like I like him, but will I pass up time with him just to avoid the girls. There's no way I can face them now after ignoring them for a week! They'd never forgive me!"
Again, if I were Isabella… that's what I'd be thinking…
Two days later - Valentine's Day
The school day was almost over, but there was still one more thing that had to be done before class was dismissed.
"Okay, class," Mr. Worth said to them. "You may now pass out your Valentine's Day cards."
Everyone got out their cards and rose out of their seats. They started making their way around the room, depositing cards in each of the cardboard boxes of their fellow classmates. Like last year, Phineas and Ferb had tricked their cards out, although this year's batch did not require to be prefaced with a warning telling them to not open them indoors. And also like last year, Buford did not hand any out and instead sat at his desk and demanded money from the boys - as well as from the girls. Mr. Worth would not have it, though, as he put a stop to it immediately, forcing the bully to pass out sticky notes to everyone, complete with his atrocious handwriting and spelling.
The girls themselves took their time traversing the room, separate from Isabella, who distributed her cards on her own. They saw her deposit a large card in Phineas' box; it was the largest of any of the ones she had, but not quite as big as the one she gave him last year. Meanwhile, both Ginger and Adyson paused briefly after attempting to insert their own card for Baljeet into his box… at the exact same time. After standing there awkwardly for a little bit, Ginger finally dropped hers in, and then Adyson. They then moved on without saying a word.
Finally, the girls made it around to the last group of desks, and they had purposely made sure that the last one each of them gave out…
…was to Isabella, who by that time, was already back in her seat and was there to watch them drop their cards in, one at a time. There were no words exchanged between any of them, except for a few from Gretchen.
"Happy Valentine's, Chief."
With that, they all went back to their seats. With all the cards distributed, everyone was now free to check their valentines, if they so wished. Isabella hastily dumped all of hers on her desk. Normally, she would have immediately gone for Phineas' right off the bat. She instead went for all the girls' ones instead. She opened Gretchen's first and smiled. She then did the same for Holly, Ginger, and Adyson. She shot a glance over at them, hoping to catch them looking back, but they were all too preoccupied checking their spoils.
She sighed as she gathered all of her cards back up, both opened and unopened, and started stuffing them into her bag. The bell rang shortly thereafter, and, like most of last week, she was the first one out the door, not waiting up for her friends to thank them.
All of us would've given her cards even if we didn't have to.
The foursome all looked at each other, sad that Isabella ran off again.
But it would be nice if she were a little appreciative of the thought we put into ours.
Still, we were pretty sure she'd get another chance later that night…
Night had fallen, and it was time for everyone to make their way to the Sweetheart Dance. At the Flynn-Fletchers' house, Phineas and Ferb were walking out towards the car, adorably dressed in pinstripe suits.
"I do believe we've never looked dapper," thought Ferb out loud.
"My sentiments exactly," said Phineas, agreeing with him.
"Splendid look, boys!" exclaimed their dad, coming outside dressed up as well. "You'll make a killing at this hullabaloo! Though not too much I hope… you're only 11 now."
"You sure you don't want to come, Candace?" asked the boys' mom, talking to Candace, who was dolled up in a cute light blue gown.
"To something THEY had a hand in creating?" Candace fired back, pointing to her brothers. "No way! It's trouble! T-R-O-U-B-L-E! And you should be busting them for it!"
"Candace, it's a town-approved function. Not bustable in anyway. Ha ha… well, especially since there'll be tons of adults there. Including us."
"There will be bipping and bopping," Lawrence admitted, "but no hankying or pankying of any kind."
"Speaking of hankying and/or pankying, you better be responsible with Jeremy, young lady! Got it?"
"Of course! Stacy and Coltrane will be with us! As if they'd be in the mood for…"
Linda started glaring at her, and Candace immediately changed her train of thought.
"…not that I'm in the mood of that sorts with Jeremy. Heh heh heh."
"Home by ten, and not a moment later! Got it?"
Candace nodded, grinning in understanding. Meanwhile, during that exchange, Isabella had walked over with her mom. And the former Fireside Girl leader was dressed to the nines as well, wearing a cute two-toned pink dress with matching-colored training heeled shoes.
"Look at you," Mrs. Garcia-Shapiro said, seeing the Flynn-Fletchers dressed up. "Never seen so many good-looking people in one place."
"Oh, Vivian, you with your flattery," Linda told her, with a giggle. "Anyway, Isabella'll be back home by ten. Plenty of time to send some time alone with that husband of yours."
"How is the old chap, anyway?" asked Lawrence, jumping into the conversation.
As the three adults talked for a few minutes, Isabella made her way over to Phineas.
"Wow, Phineas!" Isabella squealed. "You. Look. Amazing!"
Ferb raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Oh. And… you too, Ferb. You both look amazing."
"Thanks!" Phineas smiled in return. "Ready for a fun night? But not too much fun, as Mom warned. But I don't get it… what's wrong with too much fun! Everyone loves fun!"
"Um, Phineas…"
Before Isabella could explain, Lawrence and Linda were herding them into the car so that they could be on their way. Soon enough, they pulled out of the driveway and were off, waving goodbye to Isabella's mom and Candace, leaving them to partake in their respective plans for the night.
In the car, Phineas sat between Ferb and Isabella. But he was not content on resting there silently, as he struck up a conversation with Isabella.
"I'm glad you're around more, Isabella. It's nice to see you a lot more often, though I'm not sure if that's the love and peace spreading all over Danville talking."
Isabella smiled as she responded to his statement. "I'm glad too! I've always dreamed of getting some time with you, and I'm finally going to get it! Well, not now, since we're in the car with your parents and Ferb, but, but… at the dance! Yes! We'll get some time alone together!"
"That's great! But…"
"But? But what?"
"Well, Isabella… I'm sure you'll want to spend some time with the girls, right?"
Isabella acted hesitant. "Um…"
"You can't avoid them forever. They're your friends too."
"Huh? Phineas?" She tried to act surprised. "I'm not avoiding them. They're… they're avoiding me! Yeah! Th-that's it!"
"But Isabella! They were your life! And you were always so happy when you were with them! You always boasted how proud you were of everything you all did together! So why are you just ignoring them now that you're not associating with them?"
Isabella's eyes went wide. Phineas leaned in a little, lowering his voice so that only Isabella could hear what he was going to say.
"I won't make you do anything, but I really think you should talk with them. At least clear the air."
Isabella thought about it for a second. "Is this really the time to confront them? I mean, Phineas is probably, no, is definitely right! I don't think he wouldn't spend time with me if I decide not to at least hear the girls out. And maybe… just maybe… the girls are just as wanting to talk to me, but just too hesitant to do so without looking confrontational? OMG! Why is my life so complicated right now?"
Isabella really needs to stop sharing her diary with me. I'm so bad at keeping her personal thoughts private. Heh…
"I… I'll try, Phineas."
He smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder. "That's my girl."
He then turned to his stepbrother and started talking with him, already anticipating what awaits them at the dance hall.
"I… I'll try…" Isabella repeated, under her breath, with less confidence.
While Isabella took her sweet time reflecting, er, making her way to the dance, those of us already there had on other things on our mind…
At the dance hall, the music was loud and upbeat. Couples of all ages were on the floor, enjoying themselves at the all-ages event. Most of the people working as volunteers for the event appeared to be having fun as well. Except for those who happened to be Fireside Girls.
At least they were dressed up instead of in uniform.
"Abigail!" Elizabeth shouted at Abigail, who was walking alongside her. "I can barely hear myself think! Get someone to tell the music man to lower the volume by 12 percent!"
"Yes."
"And get someone to keep tabs on the trash receptacles. None over half-capacity at any time!"
"Yes."
"And make sure all of those party games that Phineas and Ferb had set up are running smoothly. Yes?"
"Yes."
"WELL, WHAT ARE YE WAITING FOR? GO AND DO ALL THAT!"
Abigail ran off to take care of it. Elizabeth made her way over to the refreshment stand. Holly and Ginger smiled as they stood behind the table with wide-mouthed glass bowls filled with punch. Elizabeth got a cup and sampled two of them at random.
"This one doesn't have enough sweet! And… EEP! This one has too much! Fix it!"
Holly and Ginger grabbed the bowls in question and carried them back to the kitchen. Elizabeth scanned the room, looking for Adyson. She spotted her not too far away, talking with Django and Wendy. Seeing Elizabeth walk in their direction, the two stepped away so that the Fireside Girls could have a little chat.
"Why are ye socializing, Adyson?" Elizabeth asked her.
Seeing that Elizabeth did not sound as if she was in a good mood, Adyson worded her answer carefully.
"'Cause… this is a dance? And… you socialize at dances?"
"NO! The current number of people present is below projections, the games are not as popular as we thought they'd be, the punch is not the right amount of sweet, and THE MUSIC IS TOO LOUD!"
Coincidentally, the music happened to be turned down at that very moment, to the point where Elizabeth did not need to yell to be heard.
"You worry too much," Adyson told her. "See? Everything's under control."
"Don't be smug me with me, lass! You and ye girls are planning something. I know ye are!"
Adyson, once again, shut down her paranoia.
"I've told you many times, Elizabeth, we aren't! We're just trying to have fun on Valentine's, just like everyone else. Once you realize that we're all working FOR you and not AGAINST you, you'll start having fun too! And the better the night will go, too!"
Elizabeth took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Okay. I believe you."
Suddenly, Adyson saw people start gathering near one of the entrances.
"Time to greet our hosts! Come on!"
Adyson grabbed Elizabeth's arm and pulled her into the growing crowd. As she did, the DJ cut off the music to make an announcement…
"Alright, alright! Everyone make some noise for the two guys who made this entire dance possible tonight…"
The doors burst open, and in walked…
"PHINEAS AND FERB!"
The two boys came in, to the roar of the crowd. Someone threw Phineas a wireless microphone, which he easily caught.
"DANVILLE! ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?"
NO!
I mean, no, not yet! I'm out of space! To be continued in the next entry, okay? Okay!
End Entry
Next Time: (Stick around! The second half of the season premiere of "Fireside Diaries" will be posted later tonight!)
