Chapter 5.

Jimmy, Carl, Sheen, and Butch had just exited the department store and were heading towards the food court for some needed refreshments. Butch clutched the brown paper bad tightly in his fist; no one would dare try to pry it away from his fingers without horrific repercussions. The whole gang seemed genuinely relieved having escaped with the newly purchased Unicorn without being seen. However, to their horror, they heard an all too familiar voice behind them.

"Well what do we have here?" Snapped Cindy who once again had that very same suspicious smile she wore on the trip home from Mars.

"Looks like Neutron and the mild bunch!" teased Libby.

The gang stopped cold in their tracks and slowly turned around. Cindy's eyes were fixed on Jimmy and she couldn't hide that fact that she was really happy to see him. Libby could see that the guys were up to something but Cindy clearly had other things on her mind.

"Guys, you gotta help me here." Whispered Butch to Jimmy, there was urgency in his tone.

"We're on it Butch." Jimmy whispered back, "Come on Sheen, we need to run interference.."

"Right behind you chief." Replied Sheen.

The two walk right up to Cindy and Libby who were slightly amused at the two attempting to be suave in their approach.

"Why Cindy, that's a lovely smelling perfume you're wearing." Chimed Jimmy, "What is it?"

"Uh thanks!" Replied Cindy looking a bit baffled, "It's…a….Vicks!"

Jimmy's expression went blank for a moment; then he turned to face Sheen who was trying to hold back his laughter.

"Man, I really suck at this!" Groaned Jimmy.

"You just need more practice!" Said Sheen.

"Alright! Enough with the pleasantries!" Barked Libby, "What are you guys up too?"

"Ahhh we're helping Butch pick out something……ur..nice….for….his…MOM! His mom!" Replied Jimmy trying to sound convincing.

"Yeah, his mom!" Said Sheen.

Libby looked at both of them with obvious suspicion. She wasn't buying a word they said. Cindy was, of course, no help to Libby's fact finding. Her eyes were still fixed on Jimmy the whole time.

"Out with it!" Libby was now up in Sheen's face determined to get an answer. "And don't think for a moment you can keep it from me, all I have to do is load you up with sugar and you'll sing like a canary mister!"

Sheen backed off knowing he had met his match with the threat of refined sugar.

"Hold on Libby!" Cindy said softy. She slowly walked up to Jimmy and grasped him tightly above his left elbow. She scooted closer locking arms with him and began to lead him away from the fray.

"Let these guys finish their little plan." Said Cindy. She looked up and gave Jimmy a big smile and a gentle wink.

"But first I want to have a few words with genius boy for a moment."

She kept her arm locked tight to his and led him away for a more private conversation.

"Soooo.." Whispered Cindy, "What should we talk about?"

Jimmy could now feel his heart pounding and his hands were getting sweaty. He could feel Cindy's soft whispers tickle his ear when she spoke. He could feel her warm gentle breath dance across his check with every word she muttered. And even though she smelled like Vicks, he could hardly keep his mind on what she was saying.

Cindy could see that she was making Jimmy nervous but that was no deterrent as she continued her assault on his senses. She explained her Buttercup girl rocket project and science merit badge all while occasionally flashing an amorous smile. At times she would even get her face within a couple of inches of his just so she could look into his eyes. She too was getting a little intoxicated with all the teasing and flirting. She wanted to get that kiss, but now was not the time. There were too many onlookers and she had to stick with the plan.

"So could you help me optimize my rocket design?" Cindy asked with a coy smile.

"Ahh…sure…I'd be happy too!" Jimmy said nervously.

"So when would be a good time?"

"How about you come by my lab tomorrow after school and show me what you got!" Jimmy paused for a moment in embarrassment. He certainly didn't mean the way that sounded.

"Uh…I mean…your rocket….show me your rocket design!" Said Jimmy trying to recover from his last blundered statement.

Cindy smiled and lifted one eyebrow. "Hmmm that's cutting it close but tomorrow after school it is." Smiled Cindy, "See you then!"

Cindy walked over to gather a very astonished Libby. The two then proceeded to walk away saying their goodbyes for now.

Jimmy had found a nearby bench to sit down. His head was still spinning from then encounter and realizing that he was now powerless around Cindy. He looked up at Carl, Sheen, and Butch who all wore taunting grins.

"Is it just me, or is it hot in here all of the sudden?" Jimmy asked trying to distract from what just happened.

"I think it was about 30 seconds ago!" Laughed Sheen.

"Ok enough! We need to get Butch back to the lab. There's still the matter of planning that needs to take place." Reminded Jimmy.

The gang decided to take no further risk and retreated back to Jimmy's lab.

Next….Linda gets a surprise, and it gets hot in the lab!