I'm sorry if I'm annoying. I just- sorry. I love you all. I don't own JN.

Betty

Betty Quinlan always brought out Cindy's worst traits. Jealousy, insecurity, and competitiveness. Even though she didn't hate her anymore, they were never close. That's why it surprises her when the older girl catches her after school one day and asks her to sign her yearbook.

With her perfect skin and shining black hair, Cindy feels like she's standing in the presence of a goddess. "Are you sure?" She inquires.

"I'm getting everyone's," Betty answers.

Cindy reaches out to take the book from the older girl ignoring the temptation to see if Neutron had signed it yet. "Graduation is coming up soon. Congrats."

"Thanks."

"Where are you going to school next year?"

"I'm not going to school. I've saved up enough money to start my own business."

"Oh?" She asks as she hastily scrawls good luck on a random page and then hands the book back.

"I even have a name," Betty passes her a small black card with Elegant Events written on it in white lettering. "If you ever need a party planner, I'm pretty good. If you want proof, I have several five-star reviews you can find at the website on the back of the card."

"That's right. You organized that lavish New Years Masquerade didn't you?"

"I did."

"Libby and I went to that. It was incredible, Betty."

"Thanks," Betty replies, "I wish you the best of luck on your senior year."

"Uh, thanks," she pauses for a moment doubting her next words but continues anyway. "By the way, I'm sorry," she finishes lamely.

"Whatever for?"

"I haven't exactly been kind to you-"

"That's all forgiven, Cindy. I'm starting my future without any baggage. Do you want to know a little secret? I was jealous of you. You always had such self-determination. You knew what you wanted, and you weren't afraid to reach for it. I would've killed for that."

"Really?"

Betty nods. "You have a lot of fire, Cindy Vortex. I'm sorry it took so long for me to say that, but it's true."

"I was jealous of you too. You were the kind of person I thought I should be. I was always too quick to anger. Too sharp around the edges."

"Neutron having a crush on me didn't help the situation."

Cindy flushes. "No."

There's a beat, and then Betty smiles at her. "Maybe I'll see you around?"

"Yeah, maybe."

"And hey, Cindy?"

"Hmm?"

"Say hi to Jimmy."

As Cindy watches Betty leave, she wonders if they could have been friends, if she hadn't let her incorrect judgment blind her. Maybe there was a future where they still could be. She smiles to herself as she pulls out her phone.

C. Vortex: I just had an interesting conversation with Betty Quinlan. She says hi, by the way.

J. Neutron: What?

C. Vortex: Don't make me repeat myself.

J. Neutron: Ok.

C. Vortex: I'll see you at the lab tonight.

J. Neutron: Six sharp. Don't be late.

C. Vortex: You aren't the boss of me, Neutron.

J. Neutron: I am perfectly aware of that.

C. Vortex: Good.