Because of the new "no review answering" rule I've heard about, even my most loyal readers (y'all know who you are) won't be getting shout-outs; I've already jumped the gun twice in this community, and I don't want to risk anymore trouble. Just know, please, that I liked your nice reviews and hope you enjoy the final chapter, AND my next JN story!

Chapter 7: The Homecoming
That same night in Retroville, Mrs. Vortex came on the porch in a flannel lavender bed robe and tearfully gazed at the ridiculously clear heavens with the crescent moon and diamond stars.

"I don't know if you all exist or not," she said to the stars, "but if there's anyone up there who can hear me, please bring me back my baby! (Her tears fell as she continued.) On my life, all I ever wanted was the best for her! (She put her hands over her eyes.) I never meant to push her so hard! If I lose her now, I'll never forgive myself!" She covered her mouth and slowly went back inside.

"Mom?" a small girl's voice called like a mouse. In an instant, Mrs. Vortex was back on the porch, looking down the street to her left. There she was, standing next to the Neutron boy and his tin dog.

"CYNTHIA!" she shouted as she ran to them.

"Mommy," Cindy whispered with tears in her sleepy eyes as her mother swung her up into her arms, crying "My baby! I thought I'd never see you again!" Being the only neighbors (conveniently) awake at the time, Hugh and Judy ran outside.

"Jimmy!" they cried as Hugh plucked his son off his feet, and Judy cried with relief.

"I'm okay, guys, really!" Jimmy said, "I just went to get Cindy." The three parents were surprised!

"Cynthia?" Mrs. Vortex looked at her, "Is this true?" Cindy nodded.

"It's true, Mom," she affirmed, "Jimmy saved me."

"I was wrong, wasn't I?" her mother said in her ear, "I'm sorry, Cynthia. I know now how much he means to you." Then she turned to the Neutrons and said to the young boy, "James, you saved my child's life. How can I ever thank you?" Then Cindy jumped in.

"You can let our friend Alex stay in our guest room!" she suggested, "She helped us!"

"Who's Alex, dear?" Judy asked. Goddard gently nudged the science child forward.

"Hi," she waved sheepishly, "I'm Alexandra Rodgers, but I just go by Alex."

"If you also helped my baby escape from...wherever she was," Mrs. Vortex faced the red-head, "You are more than welcome in the Vortex home. And you, James," she again turned to Jimmy, "For this, I will always hold you in the highest respect."

"Thank you, Mrs. Vortex," he nodded humbly, "I hope your daughter will, too." Cindy goofy-grinned at him (like in "Stranded") as the families plus Alex separated for home.

"You know I always have," Cindy whispered loudly to him over her mother's shoulder. Jimmy smiled and whispered back, "And you know I always will." Alex waved good night to the Neutrons with a smile, then followed the ladies Vortex into their house.

'Maybe now,' she thought, smiling, 'I can start my life over. Maybe now I can have a better childhood. And who knows? Knowing kids like Jimmy Neutron and Cindy Vortex, maybe my life will be an everyday adventure!'

THE END

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Author's Review:
Okay, so this one's a little short, I know...but it works, right? All's well that ends well. Cindy's no longer under threat of "no Jimmy," Mrs. Vortex now thinks SO much better of him, and they both got a great new friend in the process, who (if I'm creative enough, and enough people want it) may be making many more appearances! But that's (partly) up to y'all. (military challenge voice) Do you like Alex enough to want to see more of her? Do you think she has what it takes to be Jimmy's friend? Review with your answer. OO-RAH!

By the way: Thanks for sticking with me for this story. I hope you'll stick with me for the next one, and for anymore that come (they probably will). I LOVE YOU ALL! DON'T STOP WRITING!

Yours Forever,
-samuraistar