Cindy stepped outside the doors of the school. In the distance she heard shouts of "Yes! We're free!", "College here we come!", and "Finally outta there!". She smiled, but it only lasted about ten seconds. She saw Nick retrieving his motorcycle from the rack. I'm not free. Not yet. She watched him approach Betty Quinlan. Though she was in college already, she still enjoyed returning to the high school. Mainly for one purpose: Nick. Cindy knew he was two-timing her. In fact, the whole school knew, but thought she didn't. She didn't say anything because last time she did, she ended up with more than just emotional scars. Nick looked over at her and smiled a devilish smile. She watched Nick engage in a long, lustful kiss with his... other girlfriend. Once they had finished, Nick mounted his bike and licked his lips, not as a suggestion, as a demand. Cindy winced as she noticed it was at her, and looked away, ashamed. She closed her eyes as she heard his engine rev and head straight at her. You can do this. He's only gonna offer a ride. Okay so maybe its not really an offer...

"Hey, Cindy. Wanna lift?" Cindy's eyes popped open at the invitation, and her body tensed. But Nick was still a bit of a way off. She turned around to see Jimmy smiling out of his new car. She loved it when he smiled like that. His electric smile.

"Yes!" She hopped in and nearly slammed the door in glee. But Nick did not look happy. "Step on it!"

"Yes ma'am!" Jimmy saluted and drove out of the parking lot. Cindy sighed with relief.

"Thanks... and you do know that ma'am refers to a married wom-"

"Oh be quiet!" He laughed at her. She relaxed and laughed with him. The ride was pleasant, both eagerly talking about their plans for the future. Cindy forgot about Nick, at least for the time being. Shortly after departure, Jimmy pulled into Cindy's driveway.

"Nice to chat with ya Cindy, I'm sure I'll be seeing you around."

"Thanks for the ride, Jim." Cindy didn't get out of the car. After waiting a few minutes, Jimmy gave her a funny look. She smiled and looked back out the window. He shrugged and continued to wait. After ten silent minutes, he turned back to her.

"Are you gonna..." She bit her lip.

"Nick's gonna be pretty mad.." She mumbled, still looking out the window.

"Oh? Because I gave you a ride?"

"He has to drive me home.."

"It's a requirement that Nick Dean takes Cindy Vortex home now?"

"You could call it that.." Cindy's voice quieted with each response. Jimmy thought for a moment.

"Why did you accept the drive home then?"

"I didn't want to go with him.." Cindy stole a quick glance at his face before returning to the bougainvillea by the driveway. He seemed confused yet concerned.

"Well... uhh..." Cindy paused. She looked at him again, then down at her hands in her lap.

"My dad's not home.." She hoped that was enough for him. She knew that the whole school knew about her mother's death. Her dad had moved in with her, and she was sure Jimmy had heard, possibly seen, some of the attacks on Cindy from a raged and miserable Mr. Vortex. He had rescued her one too many times for it to be just a coincidence. And as bad as her father was, she would rather have him home then be alone with Nick in her house. She looked back at Jimmy's face, and could tell he had figured out what she wanted. He just nodded.

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"You're sure? I'm not intruding?"

"I told you, my mom really doesn't care. At all. She's probably out shopping. And Dad.. he's happy if he has ducks and pie." They both laughed. Jimmy plopped down on his couch with a bowl of chips and two cans of soda. "Purple Flurp? Good cause that's all I've got."

Cindy laughed and sat on the floor next to the couch. She munched on some chips while half watching TV. She peeked at Jimmy and felt her heart swell. He's sweet, adorable... a great friend. What would I do without him? Jimmy noticed her looking at him.

"What are you looki-" He heard it first. A loud buzzing sound, seeming to get louder and louder. It only took him a few seconds to realize what it was. "Nick."

Cindy's face shrunk in fear. "What are we going to do? He will know I'm here."

"Okay... just calm down... umm..." Jimmy paced back and forth a few times. He turned off the TV in the process. "Okay, Goddard pack up the food and meet us in the lab."

Jimmy grabbed Cindy's hand and pulled her to the clubhouse. "I swear if you tell ANYONE how to get in..."

"I won't I won't! I'll look away, okay?" Jimmy quickly scanned his hair and pulled them both inside. Goddard entered soon after.

"Are we safe? Won't he find us?"

"Cindy, Cindy... Do you really think Nick Dean could break into my lab?" Jimmy chuckled arrogantly, rolling his eyes. "Come on, we can still watch TV. VOX!"

"No that's okay Jim. Are you sure though? Can't we check and make sure?" Jimmy sighed and shook an irritated head at Cindy. Annoyed, he pressed a button and stepped away from the computer.

"Be my guest!" He huffed back to the food as Cindy sat down, trying not to touch anything. The screen was the video from a camera on Jimmy's front porch. She could see Nick rummaging around her house. He had broken a window, and most likely been inside. Oh... my dad is going to kill me for that. As if coming to a realization, Nick snapped around and angrily marched to Jimmy's house. The door was locked, but he had discovered the camera.

"CINDY VORTEX!!!" Nick's voice boomed on the loudspeaker. Jimmy instantly stood up and went to Cindy's side.

"YOU LITTLE SLUT! YOU'RE SPOILING OUR ANNIVERSARY, DO YOU KNOW THAT? WE WILL DISCUSS THIS LATER. I THINK I WILL HAVE TO THINK OF SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE SPECIAL TO MAKE UP FOR THIS. DON'T FORGET, WHORE. TRUST ME, YOU AREN'T GETTING AWAY SO EASY THIS TIME. 6 30 SHARP. AND BY 6 30 I MEAN 6 O'CLOCK. BE READY. ON TIME DAMMIT."

Nick walked away, even angrier. Jimmy gathered the sobbing Cindy in his arms and let her tears fall onto his shoulder.