This is probably crap. I'm sorry. Am I driving you all crazy? I don't own things.

Closed Door

Value Grocery is so busy that it makes her reconsider her life choices. But the refrigerator needs a serious restock. So, she takes a deep breath and finishes bagging apples. Once they are in the cart, she spots Judy Neutron.

Cindy instantly makes a break for it. As soon as she's safe in the nearest aisle, she sighs with relief. She feels ridiculous hiding from a woman she's known all her damn life. But Jimmy was coming back into town this week, and the Neutron family was throwing a big party to celebrate. She didn't need that particular complication right now.

After a few minutes, she heads toward the pet food department, figuring it should be safe. She's horrified when she sees Judy coming around the far corner. It's like a weird game of whack-a-mole.

"Cindy!" Judy yells.

Cindy sighs as she turns to face Judy Neutron, whose face is a little red. "Hello, Mrs. Neutron."

"I'm so glad I caught you! How are you?"

"I'm fine," she replies, hoping to end this conversation pronto.

"I don't have long to chat, but I wanted to invite you to the party we're throwing. We'd love to see you there."

"Oh," Cindy shifts nervously. "I don't know-"

"Cindy," Judy says, "I know you two fought before he left for the semester. But you are important to him, and you are important to us. It's only right that you should be there."

Cindy blinks in astonishment. "He told you about that?"

"Not in detail, but he said enough," Judy answers. "It's at five-thirty on Friday. Say you'll think about it."

"I'll think about it," Cindy agrees.

"I hope to see you there!" Judy replies as she hurries away.

Well, shit.


When Friday rolls around, Cindy shows up in Neutron's backyard at the designated time. Hugh is grilling while Judy sets out drinks. Jimmy is facing away from her. He's wearing a t-shirt that hugs his shoulders and a pair of shorts that show off his-

"You should go say hi instead of staring," a familiar voice whispers in her ear.

"Shut up, Libby," she says with an exaggerated eye roll.

Libby grins at her. "I'm glad you came."

"Where's Sheen?" Cindy asks.

"Late as usual. I love that boy, but he is notoriously tardy," Libby laughs.

"Cindy?" Jimmy is standing in front of her, eyes wide with shock. Cindy's mouth suddenly feels very dry.

"That's my cue to leave," Libby says as she darts toward the punch table.

There's a moment of awkward silence. Jimmy scratches the back of his neck, then runs his hand through his hair. He's taller than her now, with freckles dusting his cheeks and nose.

"You're here," he finally says.

"Obviously," she sneers.

"Cindy, I-"

"Jimbo! Will you go get my special zesty sauce?" Hugh asks, cutting the moment short.

"Where is it?"

"The fridge!"

Jimmy gives her an apologetic smile and goes inside. Cindy walks over to the punch table, ignoring Libby's pointed stare.

"Your boyfriend is here," Cindy gestures to the beat-up car pulling to the curb.

Sheen climbs out and runs toward them. "Sorry, I'm late, babe."

"Where's Carl? I thought you picked him up from Llama Lovers," Libby says.

"He's coming."

Carl steps out of the vehicle; his face is unnaturally pale.

"Sheen, what did you do to poor Carl?" Libby asks.

"Nothing," Sheen pouts.

"You were speeding again, weren't you?" Libby scolds.

"Me? Never!"

Cindy snorts, "I don't believe that for a second."

"Can you prove it?" Sheen retorts.

"We could ask Carl," Cindy smirks.

"Carl, plead the fifth!" Sheen's eyes are comically wide.

"He was going kind of fast," Carl shrugs,

"Some friend you are," Sheen mutters.

Libby says something else, but Cindy's attention snags on Jimmy, who appears with a Mason jar full of brown goop.

"Oh, I bet that means it's almost time to eat! I'm starving."

"COME GET IT!" Hugh yells while placing a plate of burgers on the table.

The group moves over, excitedly chattering about how good everything smells. Cindy is about to join them when Goddard unexpectedly lays down right in front of her feet.

"Why hello," she bends down to pet him. His head is slightly warm under her hands. "It's been a while, huh?"

Goddard barks, and Cindy laughs.

"I've missed you too." She scratches behind his ear, and Goddard's tail wags happily. "You're a good boy, aren't you?"

"Cindy, are you going to eat?" Jimmy asks.

She hesitates for a split second but then nods. "Yeah, I am."

They both know she's saying more- that she's opening the closed door just a crack.

Jimmy smiles. "I'm glad to hear it."

It's not earth-shattering, but it's a start.