Author's Note: Hi, all. I apologize to all of you. A lot has been going on in my personal life and I also started school and everything, so I don't have much time to myself, but here is the knew chapter for you all. I made it a little longer than usual because I had been gone for so long. A few of you were angry with me because you so badly wanted to read the next chapter, but it was never there when you came looking. I am so sorry! I guess I'll take your anger as a compliment? Anyway, those few of you who were angry did tell me you weren't trying to be mean or anything and no one was, but I appreciate everyone's honesty and patience. . .most of you had patience. . .lol. Anyway, the conclusion of this fic is the following chapter. Yes, it's not over yet. There will be one remaining chapter after this and then it's done. Are you all excited? Let me hear a "hell yeah!" Lol, no just kidding. One more thing, one reviewer I think is confused, The CheezHead. There's another Author's Note at the bottom for you to answer all your questions. And thank you to everyone. And without further ado. . .
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Cindy hadn't seen Jimmy for the remainder of the day and now she stood outside on the school's lawn with Libby, waiting for Jimmy to show his face. She hoped he hadn't gone home. She wasn't expecting him to react the way he had. He looked horrified, she said, remembering the look in his eyes. Was my confession that bad to him? Libby patted her back, knowing what she was thinking. Cindy turned to her as she smiled, warmly.
"It'll be ok," Libby soothed. "Jimmy. . .he's just scared about letting you close. He's afraid you'll hurt him like others have. You're confession just scared him a bit. Give him time."
"A little bit?!" Cindy asked. "He looked like he was having a heart attack!"
Libby shrugged, with a sheepish smile. Cindy's shoulders slumped as she looked down. "I'll never be able to show my face again."
Libby embraced her friend. "It'll be alright."
"I hope so," Cindy replied. "I really hope so."
When she looked up, she spotted Samantha hanging around Nick and few members from the lacrosse team. Anger seethed in her veins. She pulled Libby away and nodded toward her. Libby crossed her arms over her chest. She looked at Cindy and in her eyes came the silent answer to Cindy's silent question. They walked toward her. Nick waved as they approached and as Samantha turned Cindy swung at her and she fell to the ground.
"You are such a bitch!" Cindy sneered as Libby pulled Samantha up on her feet. "I know about your stupid little deal."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Samantha said, her voice sounded like a plea.
"Don't play stupid!" Libby scolded.
"I saw you with her! And I heard every little word."
Samantha's eyes widened.
"What's going on?" Nick asked.
"Did you seriously think, that Jimmy would fall for you?" Cindy questioned, ignoring Nick. "And how dare you use him like that! He's trying to heal and then you come along and play him!"
"It was all Sarah's idea. She just recruited me."
"But you took the damn job!"
Samantha cringed at the venom in Cindy's voice. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She looked away and then Cindy caught movement behind the school. She turned. Sarah and Robin were walking away, leaning on each other as they laughed. Libby quickly dropped Samantha and walked toward the girls with Cindy. She'll get what's coming to her, came Jimmy's voice.
Yes, she will, Cindy told herself. I'll make sure of it!
Nick called to her, but Cindy did not turn.
"Sarah!"
The girl stopped, Robin tried to quell her laughter and Sarah turned.
Both Cindy and Libby stopped in front of her. "You are such a little-"
"What?" Sarah asked, raising an eyebrow as a grin grew on her lips. She crossed her arms over her chest.
"I heard you two with Samantha," Cindy accused.
"And?" Sarah asked, now looking annoyed.
Cindy grinned herself, taking pleaser in the words she was about to say. "I was surprised that I did hear you what with Jimmy and I going at each other like maniacs in the library behind one of the bookshelves." She folded her arms over her chest as Sarah's grin fell. Her arms also fell limp at her sides and Robin's jaw dropped. Cindy could hear Libby's laugh behind her.
"Excuse me?" Sarah said.
"You heard me," Cindy replied. "It's no mistake and I didn't stutter. Jimmy and I were all over each other in the library."
Sarah flinched at the words and then it was like something in her just snapped. Her hands balled into fists and with a battle cry she lunged toward Cindy.
Cindy fell back onto the concrete ground and fought against Sarah's attack. She managed to roll over and pin Sarah down and that was when Robin came to Sarah's aid. She dug her nails into Cindy's shoulders and attempted to throw her aside, but Libby came in and pulled her aside before she could do any damage to Cindy. A crowd began to form as the girls screamed at one another. Screams of pain, screams of anger, screams of determination and war. They rolled about punching, kicking, scratching each other. It looked like a huge cat fight and some of the male students didn't seem to mind. The crowd cheered and chanted. There were various screams for Sarah and Robin mixed with chants from the cheering squad for Libby and Cindy.
"What the. . .?" came a familiar voice. "Stop! Hey, knock it off!" Cindy could feel someone pulling her away, but she didn't want to let go of Sarah and Sarah wouldn't let go of Cindy either, until someone came between them.
Cindy was ripped away from Sarah. She tried with all her strength to pull away, but whoever was holding her had the upper hand. Pain rushed up her leg from her ankle. She winced when she felt it, but pushed it aside continuing to fight, to pull away. Sarah stood and brushed herself off. She looked at Cindy, ready to fight, but her face fell as she looked at Cindy's captor. Her chest rose rapidly. She brushed her fingers through her hair. "Hello, Jimmy," she said and Cindy stopped. Sheen pulled Libby away as an unidentified guy pushed Robin away. She shoved her friend away, staring at Libby with murder in her eyes.
"What the hell is going on here?!" Jimmy demanded as he turned Cindy to face him. She looked away as she crossed her arms over her chest. Jimmy ignored her and looked at Sarah. "Did you start this?"
"Ok, people, nothing to see," Nick said as he pushed the crowd away. He managed to get rid of the crowd but everyone still watched from a distance.
"No!" Sarah protested. "Your little girlfriend attacked me!"
"She's not my-!" Jimmy shouted.
"You lunged at me!" Cindy argued.
"And so you decided to fight back!" Jimmy shouted as he turned to Cindy. Sarah's grin came back.
"I was not about to let her beat the crap out of me!" Cindy protested.
"What about you?" Jimmy asked Robin.
"I was trying to help Sarah and then your girlfriend's dog-"
"You little. . .!" Libby pounced and Robin went down. Sheen rushed to pull her back and the nameless friend who had pulled Robin aside before came rushing to pull Robin away again. This got Cindy's adrenalin pumping and she pushed Jimmy away. Sarah growled as she ran toward her, but before anything could happen, Cindy was pulled back and Sarah stopped. Jimmy swung Cindy over his shoulder and Cindy fought against him, pounding her fists on his back.
"Stay away from her," Jimmy warned. "If you don't. . .then you'll have to answer to me." His voice was dripping with disdain and venom mixed as one.
He walked away as Sheen dragged Libby along with Carl trying to help.
"Put me down, Neutron!" Cindy shouted. "I am not some little girl who needs rescuing! Put. Me. Down!"
"You want me to put you down?!"
"Haven't you been listening to me?!" She scolded. "Yes, I do!"
"Fine!" He dropped her and she fell to the ground.
"Gently!"
"You didn't say anything about being gentle," he said as he folded his arms over his chest, looking away from her. She grunted.
Jerk, she thought. She stood and winced and fell to her knees. My ankle. Jimmy looked down at her. She looked away.
"What is it?"
"Nothing." She tried to stand again, but the longer she stood up the more her ankle throbbed. She fell again.
Jimmy knelt down before her as she rubbed her ankle.
"Let me see it."
"No!"
"Don't be so stubborn!" He said.
"You're one to talk," Cindy spat back.
Jimmy ignored her as he took her ankle. Cindy inhaled sharply as the pain raced up her leg, but she found relief from the pain in Jimmy's gentle touch. "It's sprained. You'll need help walking."
She turned to Libby. She held her shoulder. Sheen smiled at her. "I'll make it feel better," he said as he kissed her and Libby smiled.
"It's not that bad," Libby replied.
Sheen hugged her, careful not to hurt her and Cindy suddenly felt alone. Jimmy wasn't going to be that way with her. She had probably ruined whatever chance she had with him, if any. She had scared him away with her confession, but now he acted as if nothing happened, except for the fight of course. He was angry. His arm ran underneath her legs and she jumped.
"What are you doing!?" Cindy questioned.
"I was going to carry you," Jimmy answered.
"I don't need your help. I can walk on my own," Cindy argued.
"You need help. Don't be stubborn. You can't even stand on your own let alone walk on your own."
She crossed her arms over her chest.
"Let me help you," he said. The softness of his voice took her off guard and she caved in. She nodded. He took her in his arms as she placed her arms around his neck. A blush spread across her checks. Libby grinned, which only fueled her deepening blush. "Don't ever do that again, by the way." She looked up at him. "Neither one of you."
"They're bad news," Carl added.
"They fight dirty," Sheen agreed.
"I'm surprised neither one of them pulled out their pocket knives on you two," Jimmy confessed.
A chill ran up Cindy's spine.
"You two could've gotten hurt and all for what?"
Cindy didn't think he wanted an answer but he asked again. She looked away. "I couldn't let her get away with what she did. Libby agreed to help me figure something out. When we saw Samantha I punched her and then I caught sight of Sarah and Robin and it just came out. Sarah attacked me after I. . .provoked her and Robin attacked me when I was defending myself against Sarah and Libby-"
"Came to your rescue," Jimmy finished, taking pleaser in his words.
She scowled at him. She had just finished telling him that she hadn't needed any rescuing and now he knew that Libby had come to her rescue.
"So much for not being a little girl who needs rescuing," he commented.
She shook her head. "So I needed rescuing! Shut up!"
"You could've gotten beat up beyond recognition," Jimmy continued. "They don't play by the rules, Cindy. They are ruthless and they'll do anything they can to bring someone down. No matter what the cost. One of you could've been killed! I can not stress that enough!"
"You sound like my mother," Libby commented. "We're fine! Just a sore shoulder, a sprained ankle and some scratches and bruises here and there. Calm down. It won't happen again, mother."
There were a faint laughs and giggles from Carl and Sheen, but Cindy kept quiet. She could feel Jimmy's muscles tighten as his anger grew. She lightly touched his arm and he looked at her. "Just, please, drop it. We get it," she said softly.
He looked away and continued to walk.
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They soon arrived at Jimmy's house, but it was only two of them. Sheen took Libby home and Carl went home as well, leaving Cindy alone with Jimmy. He still held Cindy in his arms and now she was in his house. He sat her down on the couch and left her for a short while. When he returned he held a first aide kit in his hand. He sat himself down in front of her and took her leg. She blushed a little.
"So. . .where is everyone," she asked nervously.
"Shopping," Jimmy answered calmly. "Hugh needed a suit for the wedding and Judy went with him. They probably took Becca with them unless she didn't want to go. She's probably at a friend's house."
Cindy was surprised to hear Jimmy using his parents' first names, but she nodded anyway. Was it truly that bad? She sighed and hearing it, Jimmy looked up at her without moving his head. He put an ointment on her ankle. She tried to read the label and Jimmy caught her.
"Aunt Meryl made it. It's been approved don't worry," he said. "Her inventions in medicine work. They're nothing like my inventions."
"I didn't-"
"I know what you're thinking," he said simply. "This ointment works better than all the others on the market. It can heal anything. It even takes away the pain on a broken leg or arm."
She watched him as he spread the ointment around her ankle. His touch was surprisingly gentle. Her heart raced and she fought another blush. He then bandaged up her foot and stood. He smiled. "Done."
She breathed a sigh of relief. She was a bit surprised that he was talking to her as much as he was, considering what had happened in the library. He was horrified and she couldn't get the image out of head. She looked away. "Thank you," she said. She tried to stand, but she lost her balance and plopped on the couch. Jimmy helped her up.
"Do you want me to carry you home?" he asked.
She bit her lip. She wanted him to carry her home, but she refrained. "Just help me walk there."
He nodded and helped her to her home. It didn't take very long and when she explained to her parents what happened after Jimmy had gone, her father carried her to her room. Her mother checked her ankle and brought her dinner when it was ready. She didn't feel very hungry, but she attempted to eat.
She remembered about the wedding which was the following day. She hoped that maybe, just maybe Jimmy would open up a little. Was it even possible?
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Cindy smiled as she looked about. The reception, she said to herself. She looked around. Everyone looked so unfamiliar, but of course it was because she hadn't met them personally. Few of them she remembered from the church. She barely got any introductions at the wedding, but she didn't seem to mind. Becca pulled her along and Cindy followed. She had known for a fact that Sheen and Carl were both invited but neither one of them were able to show up. Sheen had a funeral to go to and Libby went along to support him and Carl had a family reunion in Pennsylvania, but they both had gotten a little something for the bride and groom. It was a shame they hadn't come, but they had other things.
The wedding itself was beautiful. The church had stunning decorations and the bride herself was absolutely gorgeous. Everything seemed to be going great. Chase and Meryl looked deeply in love. Their wedding vows said it all and the way they looked at each other made every girl sigh dreamily and wish they had someone of their own. The married women lovingly held their husbands upon looking at the newly weds. Love was in the air.
Mrs. Neutron had been nice enough to explain just how Meryl and Chase came to be. For 7 years they worked together in the same hospital, but that was about all they had in common. When they met, there were a few sparks, an attraction to one another, but neither one of them wanted to admit it. After that everything was a competition to them and they often argued about the stupidest things. Everyone could see that there was something there, but they denied it every time until one fateful night.
"It had been about a year after Hugh, uh, left," Mrs. Neutron explained. Cindy turned to her. "I had called Meryl and told her that I couldn't take it anymore. I was ready to take my own life." She shrugged as she looked down as if the memory shamed her. Cindy felt for her. The woman had gone through a lot. But the information also surprised her. She never knew Mrs. Neutron had attempted suicide. Or had wanted to. She wondered if Jimmy had ever attempted it or ever thought about it. He had been going through just as much as his mother had and he was still fighting with himself everyday. The longer it took, the more Cindy worried that he'd lose sense of what was right from wrong. And himself.
"Anyway," Mrs. Neutron continued, breathing a sigh, "she was trying to convince me not to, but I hung up. I was just so upset. I wasn't thinking clearly and I thought it would be a way out. Well, Meryl told me she rushed to her car and then when she had arrived, she noticed her shattered window. She looked inside and her radio was gone. The car's interior was completely destroyed. She said that she thought little of it, but I know her. She had gone crazy. She loved that car. But she moved inside and tried to start the car. It wouldn't start. She said she was going insane and she got out to check under the hood and whoever had broken into her car had taken the engine out." Mrs. Neutron looked at Cindy. They exchanged looks and Mrs. Neutron frowned as she shook her head. "Meryl said she was stunned and then all of a sudden she burst into tears. She wanted to find me as quickly as possible, but her car was destroyed and she had no other way of getting to me. She told me she stood there in the rain, sobbing, feeling as if she had failed me when a car pulled up behind her's. It was Chase. She said he was giving her that arrogant smile she hated, but it faded when he noticed her tears."
"He asked if she was alright," Mr. Neutron added. "But Meryl, being as stubborn as she is, said she was fine when she was not."
"That was when Chase got out of his car," another voice joined them. Cindy turned. Meryl had just stepped in with Chase at her side. Her smile was bright and gleaming with joy. She gave everyone a hug and kissed each one of them. "Telling them of the story, Judy?"
Mrs. Neutron's only response was a smile.
"Go on," Becca said. "I want to hear the rest."
"Well, I offered Meryl my assistance and of course she didn't take up my offer. She began to cry again and I didn't understand why. She wanted me to leave. She was yelling at me, pushing me away, but I didn't go. I didn't leave her, until she slapped me."
"She slapped you?" Becca asked, her eyes wide with surprise and then it was clear that she was trying to hold in her laughter.
Chase nodded as Meryl took his hand in her's. He looked at her and she smiled sheepishly with apologetic eyes and he knew what she was trying to say to him. He lightly kissed her forehead and then continued, "I began to walk away, but she called me back. She pleaded with me. And she tried telling me she was sorry and she explained everything. I managed to lead her to my car and she told me where Judy was and we were able to get there in time before anything really happened."
"And I thank god every day that it was Chase who came to me that night," Meryl said as she looked up at him, her eyes full of gratitude and love. "After that, Chase was as sweet as can be and a month later he asked me out and we've been together ever since."
"Well, you two look very happy," Cindy commented. Meryl and Chase turned their attention to her. "Congratulations to both of you. I wish you all the luck and joy the world has to offer."
"Thank you, Cindy," Meryl and Chase replied.
The wedding singer broke the sudden silence between them as she introduced the couple. Cindy and the family stepped aside. Meryl and Chase looked at one another before they smiled at their guests. Cindy sighed dreamily. She glanced toward Jimmy and he was smiling as he watched his aunt walk to her table with the man she loved. He caught Cindy's eye and looked away, looking a bit uncomfortable and so Cindy looked away.
They walked to their table and sat down as the wedding singer announced the newly wed's first dance as a married couple. Chase stood and held out his hand for Meryl. She gladly took it and he led her to the dance floor. Cindy watched. She couldn't be happier for the couple.
"They are so in love," Becca mused.
Cindy could only agree with the young girl as she watched on. Becca sighed as she watched. After a while, couples young and old began to surround themselves around the newly weds on the dance floor.
"Jimmy," Mr. Neutron called. "Maybe you should take Cindy out to dance."
Cindy turned at the idea. Mrs. Neutron stood, taking her husbands hand. Jimmy stared at his father as if he had grown another head. Cindy didn't know if it was because of the suggestion or because he had spoken to him. He then looked away and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I don't dance," he said.
Cindy turned to the dance floor as she sighed. She was strangely relieved and upset at the same time as she placed her chin in her palm.
"Go on, Jimmy," Becca urged. "Cindy wants to dance."
Jimmy looked at Rebecca, he opened his mouth to speak but Cindy beat him to it.
"No, it's alright," she said. "I'm really not in the mood to dance. And if I was, I wouldn't bother Jimmy." She smiled at Mr. and Mrs. Neutron before they left. She wanted to dance with Jimmy, but she didn't want to scare him. He hadn't mentioned anything about what happed in the library the day before. It was like it had never happened. It was almost as if he had blocked it out, but she knew he still remembered. He was just trying to forget and it was just obvious that he didn't want to remember.
It hurt. It had taken long enough for her to get the courage to say those three, very important words and he runs, terror stricken and now he was choosing to forget it all. I just don't want to play games anymore, she said to herself. She took a deep breath and let it out as steadily as she could.
"He wants to dance with you," Rebecca whispered as she wrapped her small arm around Cindy's. She leaned her head on her arm as she continued to watch the crowd before her.
Cindy smiled. "What makes you say that?"
"Trust me," Becca replied. "I know him."
They continued to watch the family dance.
"Let's hear a round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Chase Bergon!" the wedding singer exploded. The crowd cheered and applauded. Meryl blushed as she looked around. Chase kissed her cheek and her blush deepened. She pulled him across the crowd to Jimmy's table as another song played.
"Why aren't you two out there?" she asked over the music.
"Jimmy doesn't dance," Becca teased.
Meryl frowned as she looked over at Jimmy. She opened her mouth to say something, but a small woman beat her to it.
"My little girl is all grown up!" the old woman sobbed.
"You better take care of my precious little girl, Chase," an old man joined them.
"I will, sir," Chase said as he looked at the old man.
"Dad, stop it," Meryl said.
The old man's hard face fell as he looked at his daughter. He smiled and his pale eyes gleamed.
Mr. and Mrs. Neutron returned and the old man's stern, hard face surfaced again. There was an uncomfortable silence as the tension built among them. Cindy felt a chill run through her.
"I see you're back," the old man said as his eyes scanned Hugh's face. A silent rage sat ready to explode in the old man's pale eyes.
"Judy," the old woman greeted, trying to lessen the tension. She hugged her eldest daughter and whispered something in her ear, something Cindy had not caught.
Mrs. Neutron turned away with a sigh. The old woman looked a bit hurt, but she looked away. "Jimmy! Becca! How are you two?!"
"Grandma!" Becca exclaimed. "Grandpa!"
"Hey, muffin," the old man greeted. "How are you feeling?"
"Good," Becca replied. "Aunt Meryl and Uncle Chase's treatments are real good. And Jimmy's research is coming out real good too."
They turned to the boy genius. "You're doing research?" his grandmother asked.
Jimmy nodded.
"Have Meryl and Chase helped you? The three of you are good on your own, but think of what all three of you can do if you team up," the old woman said.
"Jimmy wants to do this alone," Chase said. "And Meryl and I respect that." Chase placed an arm around Meryl and brought her close. The old man gave him a warning glance and Chase pulled away placing his hand behind his head, clearing his throat. Meryl sighed as she shook her head.
The old woman nodded and then her eyes fell on Cindy for the first time. She smiled. "And who might you be?" she asked. "Judy, she isn't one of your's."
"No, mother," Mrs. Neutron said. "This is-"
"Jimmy's girlfriend," Meryl added with a sly grin.
The old woman brightened.
"She's not my-"
"This is the girl you've been talking about?" she asked.
"Mmm hmm," Meryl said proudly.
"When you said she was beautiful, you didn't tell me she was this beautiful," the old woman said. "What's your name, sweetheart?"
"Cindy Vortex," Cindy replied as she extended her hand, but the woman didn't take it. Instead she took Cindy into her arms and called forth the rest of the family. Cindy fumbled for words as Jimmy tried to set things straight, but apparently no one would listen to him. A wave of people came forward and they all seemed to know who she was. They complimented her and congratulated her. She shyly took the compliments and never once denied that she was not Jimmy's girlfriend.
"Yo, Tony!" one cousin called. "Com'ere! Jimmy's girl is 'ere!"
"Aw," another aunt said in a southern accent. "You're a pretty lil' thang, now aren't you."
When the crowd began to die down the old woman continued to speak. "Jimmy's a good boy," she said. "Troubled, but good."
When she and the old man left, Jimmy and the family made their way tot he table. Jimmy was the only one in a bad mood, mumbling something under his breath.
"They're nice," Cindy commented.
Becca grinned from ear to ear. "They all like you."
A sound startled Cindy and Becca both and they turned. Jimmy stood. He had pushed his chair aside, allowing it to drag across the floor. He slowly made his way to the other side of them room and for a moment he stood alone in a lonely corner across the room. Cindy had the urge to go after him, but he would just go away again. She sat watching him. A girl wearing a skimpy black dress approached him. Her black eye make-up made her look mysterious and her eyes gleamed with mischief. She reminded Cindy of Sarah for some odd reason. She greeted Jimmy with a happy smile and then another guy approached the two. Cindy recognized him from the church. He walked over with a hand in his pant's pocket and a half grin on his face. He looked clean-cut with short, neat hair. He shook Jimmy's hand and they hugged. The three began to talk and the girl looked over at Cindy and like a chain reaction, so did Jimmy and the second guy. Jimmy wasn't smiling but his two new friends were.
"That's my cousin Rachel and Samuel. Sam's here from Connecticut and Rachel lives only 15 minutes away from this place. She looks like the lying, cheating, mischievous person and she is, but when it comes to family, she's really sweet." Becca waved to them and they waved back. Rachel waved to Cindy and Cindy waved back with a weak smile.
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"So she's Cindy Vortex, huh?" Rachel asked as she put her hand down.
"Aunt Meryl wasn't kidding when she said that Cindy was hot," Samuel said as he leaned against the wall.
Jimmy looked at his cousins.
"I think the word was 'beautiful', Sam," Rachel corrected.
Samuel shrugged. "How'd you get a girl like that? And I thought you were with that other girl."
"Yeah," Rachel said. "I liked her. She was. . .ruthless and mischievous."
"Like you?' Sam teased.
Rachel scoffed. "She was nothing like me. I'm prettier than her."
Samuel rolled his eyes.
"We broke up a month ago," Jimmy answered the question, ignoring Rachel. "And Cindy isn't my girlfriend."
"She's not?" Samuel asked as he stood.
"I thought-" Rachel began.
"Everyone wishes I'd get with her, but she's. . .I'm. . ."
Rachel and Samuel looked at one another as Jimmy looked away. He was just to afraid to be with her and he still couldn't believe what she had confessed. It was too surreal. He thought he'd be happy to hear her say those three words, but it scared him. Horrified him. And now he felt that she was an even more of threat to him. It's always the one's you love, he though. They say they love you, but it's not true. It's never true.
"Does that mean that I can-" Samuel began.
"No," Jimmy said. "Stir clear of her."
"But it thought-"
Rachel stopped him before he could say anymore. "Isn't it obvious, dear cousin," she said. Samuel looked at her. "Our little James here is crushing on her. Even though they aren't together, he's got feelings for her."
Jimmy ignored her. Rachel was always good at reading people, it was why she had always been good at fooling people even the most cautious of people. There was no use in denying it, she'd know. Instead Jimmy turned to watch Cindy. She was talking to someone. Jimmy noticed him right away. It was his cousin, Dan. He was notorious in the family for being a womanizer. Although, they were rumors, Jimmy knew it was a fact. Many knew it was a fact. Dan spoke openly to his cousins, especially to Rachel, Jimmy, Samuel, and Joseph of his "quests", so he called these short sexual relationships. He only dated girls to get in their pants and Jimmy use to praise him for it, but that was long ago. Now as he watched, his anger grew. He balled his hands into fists. Cindy wouldn't want him to "save" her, but she could need help. Does she look like she needs help? He asked himself as he watched her laughing with him. And anyway, she said herself she didn't need "rescuing." And on top of that she's a black belt in karate.
Dan took Cindy's hand and led her to the dance floor and with a smile, Cindy followed him.
"Are you going to let her dance with him?" Rachel asked, her eyes opened wide.
"You know how Dan is, Jimmy," Samuel added.
"Cindy can take care of herself and I doubt Dan would try anything with her in public. The room is full of family members. Someone will catch him, he knows that," Jimmy said.
"Yes, he does know that," Rachel said, "and that's why he'll take her somewhere else, where no one can see them."
Jimmy ignored her. He won't try anything, he thought. I hope. He paused. But if he does, he'll get a hell of a lot.
He watched, waiting to see what happened.
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"Jimmy's very lucky," Dan said as he looked down at Cindy. "He's got such a great looking girlfriend."
"Thank you," Cindy replied.
I guess, she thought. Maybe dancing with this guy wasn't such a good idea. Something was telling her that maybe he wasn't as completely sweet as he was coming off to be. Cindy jumped slightly when his finger tips traced down her hips and continued down. She caught his hand.
"Maybe you should stop that," Cindy suggested.
Dan smiled as he shrugged his shoulders innocently. "I apologize. I slipped."
I'm sure, she thought. He placed his hand on her waist again. He smiled at her as he looked down at her. His eyes drifted away from her face and down to her chest. She frowned as she rolled her eyes.
"My face is up here, Dan," she said. He looked at her with a sly grin. She shook her head with disappointment. He leaned closer and placed his head beside her's. She could feel his breath on her neck and she tried to get him off without making too much of a scene. It was suppose to be a happy event after all, but if he didn't stop soon, he'd be getting a kick in his most sensitive area.
"Let's find a nice quiet place to talk. I want to get to know you more," he whispered in her ear.
I'm sure e that's exactly what you want to do, Cindy said to herself.
She could feel his mouth on her neck and she pushed him enough to let him know she didn't appreciate it. He looked at her a bit startled, but then almost as if the sudden act had indulged him, he smiled and began to lean forward again, but Cindy took a small step back as she narrowed her eyes, daring him to continue leaning toward her. He took the challenge, enticed by her. It was like slow motion as he leaned in close, his hand moving down. Cindy lifted her hand steadily, ready to smack him until someone pulled him away. Cindy looked over his shoulder. Rachel stood with Samuel beside her, her arms crossed over her chest, shacking her head in disapproval. Samuel frowned and then Jimmy turned Dan to face him.
"Hey, Jimmy!" Dan greeted a bit nervously. "You're looking good, Rach. And, Sam, you got a hair cut?"
Samuel smiled with a nod. "Actually, yeah, I did," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't want it to be too short, but then I was like-"
Rachel hit his chest with the back of her hand and he looked down at her. She shook her head and he smiled sheepishly.
"Dan," Jimmy said, "I think you should leave Cindy alone."
"Uh, yeah," Dan replied. "I was just about to say goodbye." He stepped away and continued across the room. He quickly turned, shouted "bye" and ran off. Cindy could only smile. She held back a laugh as she watched him run away. He was afraid of Jimmy? How wonderfully funny. She then turned to Jimmy to thank him. Part of her was a little irritated with him for coming to "her rescue" when she didn't need it. She could've done something on her own. She had been about to, but she was thankful he came to her aid anyway. He really did care. This proved it.
She opened her mouth to speak, but he spoke before she could.
"I know," he said. "You don't need rescuing. Your not some helpless little girl, I know."
Cindy stared back at him and she regretted her words. He turned and walked away as she stood there. She watched him.
"Don't worry too much about him," Rachel said. Cindy looked up at her. Rachel was smiling. "Jimmy likes you and I'm sure that he'll come to realize that he's nothing without you. Until then. . .just be patient. He'll come around. He has to."
Cindy smiled sheepishly at her, a blush crawling on her face. She felt a little bad for labeling Rachel as a bad person before getting to know her and here she was, being as nice as can be. Looks really can be deceiving.
"I'm Rachel by the way," she said, extending her hand.
Cindy took it. "Cindy."
"Sam."
Cindy turned and smiled. Samuel extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Like wise," Cindy replied. "I've heard bit and pieces of you guys."
They smiled at that. "But, Rachel, to be honest, I didn't hear very many good things about you, so I thought of you differently," Cindy said apologetically. She was ashamed to admit it, but it was true.
"People talk," Sam said.
"Too much," Rachel added. "Our family is like that I guess."
"They like to talk," Sam said. "It's inevitable. They talk about everyone."
"It's sad really," Rachel replied.
"But don't get us wrong," Sam began. "We're all good people."
Cindy smiled. "I know. I met so many of you. I like you all."
Sam and Rachel smiled at her as Rebecca walked over. She greeted them and for a while they spoke of old memories and Cindy enjoyed the jokes they had between them and the embarrassing moments they shared.
"We've got to be on our way," Rachel said. "My mother is waiting to see Sam. She hasn't seen him in years. I'll see you around."
They waved to each other as they walked away. Becca took Cindy's hand and led her back to the table. Jimmy sat down, not looking at anything in particular, but the tension grew when Cindy joined him at the table. He turned to her only for a moment and looked away.
How would she be able to talk to him? She hoped she'd find some way.
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She couldn't stand it anymore. She needed to help them somehow, but how? They just sat there, not looking at one another, not talking to each other. But they did want to look at each other and they did want to talk to one another. They just couldn't because they were both so damn foolish and so stubborn!
They're acting like children, Becca thought. She rolled her eyes.
She loved them both to death, she really did, but this was too much. They belonged together and if things kept up this way then they'd never find out about each other. They'd never get together. It's all up to me, she said. I have to do something.
Don't get between Jimmy and Cindy, her mother had told her 20 minutes before they got into the car. If they truly love each other and if they're truly meant to be, then they'll come together on their own. They'll find a way.
Becca leaned back in her seat. Why did that woman continue to think that she could talk to her when she didn't want to hear her voice? But she couldn't help but agree with her mother at least a little. But she also knew that sometimes people needed help.
Maybe all they need is just a little push in the right direction, she said to herself as a sly grin curled her lips. She looked about the room and spotted just the person she wanted to see. She stood.
"Where are you going?" Jimmy asked, his arms crossed over his chest.
"No where," Becca answered innocently, a gleam in her eye. She skipped away as the thought consumed her.
They'll be together in no time, she thought.
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Author's Note for The CheezHead:
Okay, well, you said the first thing that bugged you was the whole thing with Rebecca and Benjamin (who are indeed four) saying "damn" and stuff. I apologize. And then you said the biggest thing that bugged you was Jimmy and Sarah. Okay, the story there is that Sarah broke up with Jimmy because, yes, he wasn't calling and she felt he wasn't into her anymore. From the story it's unclear as to why Jimmy stops calling. I never really do say, but it's not because of his father. He still cared for her and he was trying to cope with things that were going on with his sister, with her mysterious disease and everything not his father. And, yes, Hugh left four years prior to my story, but if you go back to chapter 15, it explains everything about their past relationship, how and why it ended and also when it began, which I think was in the ninth grade, meaning a year before my story. They're at the end of their tenth grade year in this story. So that means Jimmy and Sarah didn't get together until 3 year after Jimmy's father walked out. And also if you go back to chapter 3, where Becca is in the hospital, there's a reference to Sarah and Jimmy's break up. It was Becca who said, "Oh, Aunt Meryl, Jimmy and Sarah broke up weeks ago. Jimmy didn't want to talk about it." Anyway, I hope this has helped clear things up for you. If you're still confused, just let me know and I'll explain again.