December 23rd, Sunday
Cindy awoke the next day to a pounding headache and a barrage of text messages, mostly from Libby and one from Sheen? She opened Sheens text first. " You killed it last night blondie" it read. Cindy smiled to herself, Libby's text just consisted of her asking if she made it home last night, wow did everything seem like a blur.
Looking at the time. "It's 1pm? holy shit." rubbing her eyes, memories from last night started flooding in both good and bad, regardless that was one hell of a night. Cindy headed to the bathroom hearing her phone vibrate.
Text from Jimmy she read it out loud. "Look at your desk, shower and be ready to get picked up at 5. Taking you somewhere, happy hangover, beautiful." Cindy looked up at her desk, a cup of coffee and a bowl of soup. Her goto remedies for a hangover, Jimmy was a life savior.
"Where could he be taking me? She asked herself, her head beginning to hurt yet again. "I'm never drinking again." Oh who was she kidding. Her interest in alcohol grew immensely after a trip to Bordeaux , France with her grandparents. It was their High school graduation gift to her.
"Thanks again for the recommendation Carl, I hope Cindy likes it" Jimmy was speaking to Carl over the phone discussing his plans.
"No problem Jim, are you two going to come over tomorrow for Hot chocolate and cookies?" Carl generously invited them.
"Sure Carl, we'll be there, thanks again" Jimmy hung up the phone, his mother had been calling his name for the past 5 minutes. What could she possibly want, he rushed downstairs.
A concerned Judy spoke up "Jimmy your father is outside trying to carry in all the groceries in on one trip"
"That's a bad thing?" His mother just gave him a look, Jimmy quickly realized what he said and headed outside. Finding his father struggling, those grocery bags looked like they weighed a lot and knowing his mother and how she shops, they probably did.
"Don't worry about it Jimbo I got it under control" Hugh looked exhausted "Boy do these bags weigh a lot" he added. His father sure was eccentric
" That's because they probably do. Here dad , you're struggling let me help." Jimmy grabbed half the bags from his father. Between both Neutrons it was simple work carrying them into the kitchen.
" Alright I'm off, I'm taking Cindy on a date, be back later!" Jimmy walked away heading towards the door.
"Don't be afraid to make some grandbabies" Judy cried out
"Mom!"
"A mother can wish" She pleaded out.
Jimmy found it really convenient living across the street from his girlfriend during High School. It was easy to pick her up and they could sneak over quite easily late at night. Taking his phone out, he texted her that he had arrived.
Cindy looked at her phone, reading the message quickly and instantly heading for the front door, catching her father's attention.
"Cindy please, you've been ignoring us all day, we rarely get to see you" Mr. Vortex was really upset and Cindy could tell.
She opened the front door , but before exiting , she turned around mouthing the words. " I love you" to him and left.
Cindy got into Jimmys car thanking him for the hangover remedies this morning with a kiss, before noticing his blank stare.
"What's up with the blank look?"
"I just realized that I haven't seen your parents at all this entire trip here" Jimmy hadn't made an effort to go see them at all, he felt a little guilty.
Cindy immediately brushed it off, " It's fine, you'll see them all day on Christmas, plus I'm not really on speaking terms with them at the moment."
"Would that be the reason you went extra wild last night?" Jimmy was slightly curious, not wanting to pressure her into revealing why but trying to at least get some info.
"Part of it, we can talk about it later if you want. But first would you mind telling me where we're going?"
Jimmy nodded and began driving , truthfully he had never been to this place, but he heard from Carl and the internet that it was a great time. " All you need to know is that this place is awesome" he smirked.
Almost to their destination, Cindy read a sign out loud "Retroville trail of lights? oh I've heard of this place, it just started up just a few years ago." Cindy didn't know what to expect.
Jimmy nodded , parking his car and getting out of it. "Correct, Carl told me about it a few weeks ago, so I bought tickets online" they walked to the entrance.
" Wow this is beautiful" Cindy was in awe. The entrance to the park was like a tunnel composed of thousands of Christmas lights. Jimmy pulled out a map, stating that there was a lot to do here. A Ferris wheel, Santa's house , live music and a few portable bars. After the night they had, they agreed to stay away from those.
"Where do you wanna go first"
"Lets just walk around and stop at whatever looks interesting."
"Okay" Cindy smiled, this place was so cute , Christmas music in the background. Gingerbread men and nutcracker decorations everywhere. Everything was colorful thanks to the two million lights they had everywhere. This was definitely the closest thing to the North pole without it actually being it.
" There was also a fun run earlier today, but I assumed you'd be too hungover and wouldn't want to get sweaty" Jimmy informed Cindy.
" Don't lie, you just didn't want me to kick your ass in it Neutron"
"In your dreams Vortex" Jimmy and Cindy shared a chuckle after referring to each other by their last names, they rarely did that now.
Cindy's stomach growled, she realized she hadn't ate since the soup Jimmy brought her. He noticed this and informed her of a few food trucks in Candy cane lane up ahead.
"How about some pizza and a purple flurp?"
"That sounds like heaven, I'll race you over there!" Cindy challenged talking off in the direction of Candy cane lane, Jimmy a close second.
A few moments later and a slice of pizza and purple flurp down the hatch. Cindy and Jimmy found themselves sitting on a bench.
" See I told you I'd beat you in a race"
"I hardly see how that was fair, you had a head start" Jimmy complained.
"By a second at most and I beat you with these on" She gestured to her ankle boots. Jimmy and Cindy were still competitive in nature, but rarely ever with each other.
Jimmy huffed " I let you win anyway, only cause you're kinda cute" Cindy rolled her eyes but giggled. "Come one" Jimmy grabbed her hand. " Let's go ride the ferris wheel"
Jimmy and Cindy's journey to the ferris wheel was cut short by a huge flock of people surrounding something. Cindy looked at the map " Looks like we get to pay Santa a visit before the ferris wheel, cause we're at his house!" Cindy announced all giddy like a little kid.
"Bah humbug" Jimmy kept it simple.
Cindy shook her head. " Would you quit saying that, and stop acting like you hate Christmas. You literally saved it once."
Jimmy brushed his shoulder off " One of my many achievements"
"Don't act so cocky you almost ruined it too"
"Accident" Jimmy said as he walked away from Cindy trying to get a close up on this " Santa Claus."
"Look mommy, it's Santa, Santa, we get to meet Santa." Jimmy overheard a young boy cry in delight to his mother.
Jimmy looked onward getting a glimpse of said "Santa" before turning over to the young boy who appeared to be no more than six years old.
" I highly doubt it. I've met the real Santa, he's far more obese than that fake man" Jimmy pointed at the faux Santa. "Trust me ,I've seen him up close" he said nonchalantly.
The little boy began to tear up running into the arms of his mother who glared at Jimmy ready to give her a piece of her mind.
"Excuse us" Cindy interrupted, dragging Jimmy away from the now screaming little boy. " Jimmy what are you doing , you can't go around saying stuff like that, especially here. There's tons of little kids."
Jimmy was confused as to what he did wrong. " What? I'm just being honest. That kid deserved to know the truth about the faux Santa Claus."
Cindy tried her best to hold in her laughter, yes Jimmy was a genius. However he lacked a bit in the social skills area. She studied Jimmy's face of confusion before speaking up again.
" Yeah well, lets try not to ruin anyone elses Christmas. Come on" Cindy intertwined her hand with Jimmy's. "Let's get to the ferris wheel" Cindy pushed past the horde of people.
" Lead the way Mrs. Claus"
"I'd make the most attractive Mrs. Claus ever.".
"Ferris wheel, ferris wheel, come and ride the FeeeRIS Wheeel" an all too familiar voice squawked.
Cindy looked up. " Mrs. Fowl?"
"That is Mrs Fowl" Jimmy added.
We'll I'll be Jimmy and CindDYY" She squawked again. " How are you two? it's been years"
"Lovely"
"I'm great, are you still teaching?" Jimmy asked, Mrs. Fowl looked like she hadn't aged at all. The last time he saw was at High school graduation, at least five years ago. Now she's working here?
Mrs. Fowl saddened. " Not since I got caught grading at driving again, curse the RPD. I've been volunteering here ever since."
Jimmy whispered low so that only Cindy can hear him. " Is that even a legal charge?" he asked the soon to be lawyer.
"Don't look at me , Texas is a weird state" she answered back in the same tone. Jimmy nodded turning his attention back to Mrs. Fowl.
Mrs. Fowl spoke up " We'll I won't hold you two up any longer, enjoy the ride" Cindy waved to her and proceeded onwards. Mrs. Fowl stopped Jimmy before he could go on and whispered " I'm afraid of commitment, but I'm positive Cindy isn't, put a ring on that finger."
"Good lord even Mrs. Fowl" Jimmy thought to himself. " Mrs. Fowl, I'll have you know-" Before jimmy could finish Cindy dragged him away informing him that he was holding up the line.
" Happy Holidays you two, and say hello to everyone else for me, except SHEEN" Mrs. Fowl squawked a final time.
Jimmy and Cindy got onto the ferris wheel tub and the slow ride began.
" Can you believe ,this is our first time on a ferris wheel together?" Cindy was having a really fun time. "this place is so sweet"
" No I can't" Jimmy smiled " I'm glad you're having fun. Carl deserves some credit for this too."
"Just a bit, you have some great friends"
"Did you just compliment Sheen and Carl?"
"Yeah I need to stop, I've been doing that a lot lately." They both chuckled.
Jimmy was glad Cindy had warmed up to his friends, he always thought she hated them. However Cindy clarified that she didn't hate them, they just irritated her when she was younger and maybe irritated her a bit now. Things change as she liked to say.
"Well, now you're drinking buddies with Sheen and complimenting Carl, I never would of expected that. Are you the real Cindy Vortex?" Jimmy teased her.
Cindy slapped his arm "Oh shut up, never did I think you'd be friends with Nick. But here were are"
"More like acquaintances, actually" Jimmy stated, which earned an eye roll from Cindy, as they both laughed
" Not that I want to ruin this moment Cindy, but do you mind sharing with me what happened between you and your parents yesterday?" Cindy frowned she was having such a good time she forgot about it. Jimmy deserved to know, and she definitely wanted to hear his input.
Okay where to start.." To put a long story short, my parents are moving away and selling the house all without even bothering to consult me about about it."
Jimmy listened carefully " Okay, so what are you most upset about?"
Cindy threw her hands into the air. "Everything" as it if it wasn't obvious.
Jimmy rubbed his chin, thinking of a way to tell Cindy this without her getting mad, but there really wasn't a way to be nice about it. "Cindy, don't you think you're being, a bit , you know…. petty?"
"Excuse me?" She fired back.
Jimmy put his hand up, "Alright, just hear me out , and when i'm done you can tell me how you feel about it, okay?" Cindy nodded.
" I understand your frustration, you're angry that your parents are selling your childhood home, but honestly. I think what bothers you the most is that they didn't even bother getting your opinion on it.
Cindy only nodded in agreement, he was just telling her what she already felt and knew, but then he continued.
" Did you even bother asking why they're moving in the first place?" Cindy had to think about it for a second, her father did mention something. She however just brushed it off not caring.
Cindy sighed. " Well no, but just the thought of never going back to my childhood home, walk in it, sleep in it, it sucks. I just feel like my childhood and memories will be gone with it"
Jimmy kept listening on as she continued. " When I went away for College it was different. I knew my house and my parents would always be back here. I could always come back whenever I wanted to, but now…." she trailed off not wanting to finish her sentence.
Ahh there it is, Jimmy had figured out the "issue issue". "Now I get it" He said as Cindy looked on confused.
"You're upset because you think we won't ever come back , or that there's no reason too, listen. I know I don't say it much but I love Retroville and I love you. This will always be home. Say the word and we'll be on the first plane here"
Jimmy continued " Sure your house will be sold, but your memories and childhood aren't being sold with it, as much as you may think that. Cindy felt instant relief after hearing that, almost to the point of tears.
" In addition none of our friends families are leaving, you still have four homes here" Jimmy grabbed her hands and intertwined them with his. " Retroville isn't going anywhere, it's always going to be home" looking into her eyes.
Only Jimmy could make her realize how silly and petty she was acting. Not to mention selfish for the way she treated her parents.
"You're the best" Cindy told him.
"Oh I know"
Jimmy and Cindy had reached the highest rotation on the Ferris wheel , giving them a beautiful panorama view of downtown Retroville and its suburbs, a beautiful sight. In that moment Jimmy pulled Cindy in for a long passionate kiss.
December 24th, Monday. Christmas Eve.
"Thanks again for lending me your table Sheen" A struggling Carl said to his friend. He was having the gang over for snacks and hot chocolate . His family lacked a suitable snack table. The duo we're currently trying to lift it out of Sheens house.
"No problem Carl, and watch where you're going. This table has a lot of memories. I don't want any scratches on it." Sure the table was very sturdy Sheen thought to himself, he just didn't want to take any chances.
Carl made a face " What kind of memories?"
"Well , since you asked, let's just say Libby and I used this table as a substitute mattress a few times when we got frisky" Sheen winked at his friend.
Carl immediately released his hold of the table causing it to crash down on Sheens floor and his foot.
"OWW CARL, What did I just say about the table?" Sheen seemed more concern about the table than his own foot. He began inspecting it for any scratches or broken pieces.
"You can't just say something like that and expect me not to have a reaction" Carl was disgusted
"Phew, the table is A okay, I can't feel my foot, but it's all good" He motioned to Carl to grab the other end again. Carl just stood there. Sheen sighed " We can sanitize it once we get to your house, come on"
Carl gave in , lifting up his end of the table. " I think I'm going to be sick"
"You'll be fine, but let's just say, If I saw you drop a cookie on this table, then proceed to eat it, that would result in instant humiliation." Sheen began to crack up.
"Just put the table in the car. I need to wash my hands."
Cindy had done a lot of thinking since she got home from her date last night with Jimmy. She realized just how petty she was acting, her parents deserved an apology for her outburst and she was going to give them one. She walked downstairs finding her parents eating lunch together in the kitchen.
"Mom, Dad." Were Cindy's first words to her parents since the discussion.
"Are you finally going to speak to us Cynthia?" He mother had every right to be mad at her. Here Cindy was on Christmas break being everything but grateful.
"About the other night. I made a mistake I'm really sorry. I acted on impulse and I was beyond petty" Cindy looked up to her parents hoping they'd forgive her.
Surprisingly her mother answered first. "Apology accepted."
Cindy looked up in amazement, she didn't expect this to be that easy.
It was her father's turn to speak this time " Honey, we made a mistake too, we should have consulted you about this sooner. We know how much home means to you "
"That's the thing, you guys don't have to consult me, heck I didn't even bother asking why you're moving down to Florida anyway"
"We'll to answer your question, like your father said the other day. We aren't getting any younger, we raised a beautiful daughter in a town we've grown to love too. Now is just the time for something new."
Cindy nodded. " You're right you guys have done a lot for me"
"We're not done" Mrs. Vortex added.
"The night you stormed off angry, we got a call from the buyer he was going to pay us an extraordinary amount of money for this house."
"Did you accept? Cindy asked half heartedly.
"No we didn't. Your mother and I did a lot of discussing the past day and a half, and we thought about a better idea" Mr. Vortex turned to his wife and smiled.
Cindy was beyond confused, a better idea? What the hell was going on. Her parents looked over to her giving her a warm smile.
"Merry early Christmas Cindy" Her father said.
"We're giving you the house, after a bit of legal work and what not" her mother added smiling.
"Everything should be in your name by the first half of next year." she finished.
Cindy was at an utter loss for words, two days ago she thought she'd never see this house again. Now she was going to own it? Talk about a crazy weekend.
"You guys don't have to do this, are you sure?" tears began forming in her eyes. Her parents walked over to her, embracing her.
"We love you Cindy , it was a hard enough decision to leave Retroville, even harder to leave our home. Now that we know it'll be yours, that made us feel better about our decision."
"Take good care of our home, Cynthia"
Cindy wiped the tears from her eyes "I will, thank you so much" This was truly shaping up to be the most memorable Christmas of all time.
Jimmy was currently trying to convince his parents to join him in going over to the Wheezers residence later, but to no avail. They had other plans involving his father's employee Christmas party.
He tried again "You guys sure you don't want to come? I'm sure the Wheezers made an abundance of tasteless snack for all enjoy" Jimmy knew damn well that was a horrible reason to use to try to persuade his parents to come. Oh well, he tried his best at being jolly.
"Sorry Jimbo your mother and I have plans heading into late late night" Hugh wiggled his eyebrows. " As long as it's not like last years" he added sounding slightly disappointed.
"Just expect us to be out late, have a great day honey" Judy and Hugh exited out the house.
Jimmy immediately got an idea, he pulled his phone out, texting Cindy.
Me: Come over an hour earlier
Cindy: Why?
Me: You know why. (winking emoji)
Cindy: Pfft , a whole hour earlier? More like 3 minutes (laughing emoji)
Me. I hate you.
Cindy. I'm kidding, as much as I want to I can't. I'm baking cookies to bring to Carls, last time I had a wheezer cookie I almost choked on it's dryness.
Jimmy laughed out loud at her response.
Me: Fine, but we need to go to the store to pick up eggnog though.
Cindy: (Thumbs up emoji)
Jimmy dropped down on the couch and sighed , guess he'd have to go another day.
"Hey horndog" Cindy said as she got into Jimmy's car , earning a glare from her boyfriend.
"My deprivation is nothing to joke about" Jimmy was being dramatic, sure they haven't been intimate in a few days, but Cindy was feeling perfectly fine.
"Don't me so dramatic, maybe you'll get lucky tonight" She winked at him.
"Yeah, yeah" Was all Jimmy muttered as he drove to the grocery store. Cindy had asked him why he didn't bother picking this up earlier instead of now. Carl literally lived next doo. Jimmy however just hated going to to grocery store by himself.
The duo made it to Retro-Mart. Jimmy instructed Cindy to go find the eggnog while he headed to the bathroom to take care of some business.
"Take your time" Cindy waved to a disappearing Jimmy.
" Egg nog egg nog, where could you be" Probably in the milk aisle she reminded herself. She's bought it before. Cindy was on her way over until she spotted a free sample stand. She hightailed it over to check out what they had to offer. Completely forgetting her objective.
"Omg I love smores" Arriving at the stand an employee greeted her and handed her a smore. Cindy could feel a presence coming up behind her, but she didn't bother turning around.
"Cindy" A voice called out to her. Cindy turned around mouth full of smores, swallowing the tasty treat then she spoke
"Oh it's you." She wiped her mouth. " What do you want" Cindy asked nonchalantly
There standing before her was a familiar face, it was Betty Quinlan. " Hi, hello, how have you been the past five years?"
"Peachy" Cindy smirked.
"Maybe this was a bad idea" Betty turned around ready to leave before Cindy stopped her.
"We'll you're here now, and I doubt you were just dying to know how I've been."
"I guess you never lost that attitude of yours" Betty stated not backing down to Cindy's sass.
"I am who I am" Cindy answered back, and it was true. Cindy didn't change one bit as much as people would say she did. She was just happy.
Betty sighed " Would it make things better if I apologized?" a guilty face accompanied her question.
"For?"
"You know what I'm talking about"
Cindy laughed and yes, she knew exactly what Betty was talking about. She had a hunch it would lead to this.
"Betty, sweetie, honey" Cindy started off. " You don't have to apologize for anything."
Betty gave her a puzzled look. " Please elaborate"
"Gladly". See back in High School when Nick and I were a thing, I wasn't myself. I left my friend group and stopped talking to the person that meant the most to me for two years. Just to date a guy that didn't even seem interested in me" Cindy paused for a second.
"Cindy, I'm so sor" Betty started to speak but was stopped by Cindy.
"I'm not done." Cindy continued calmly. " So when Nick dumped me at Homecoming, and I ran out into the pouring rain, wanting to go home but I couldn't because I didn't have a ride…" At this point Betty looked like she was on the verge of tears.
" A certain blue eyed boy came up to me offering me a ride, telling me that If I sat out in the rain for too long I'd get sick. Cindy kept her cool, no matter how much it always hurt her to remember this. " Once I got into his car I completely broke down. Telling him how I completely fucked up, and how sorry I was, rambling on and on."
Cindy then smiled. " He kissed me ,thinking it was the only way to shush me. He forgave me and told me how much he had missed me. That car ride changed my life."
Cindy really didn't know why Betty was apologizing or even felt bad, Cindy only had herself to blame for what happened all those years ago.
"So if you came over here to find relief or forgiveness from me, then you can have it Betty I really just don't care." Cindy may have sounded cruel but it was the only honest way she could have worded it. She really didn't care. What happened, happened, it's over now. Betty wasn't saying a word but by the look on her face she understood.
Cindy didn't have a problem with Betty she wasn't a terrible person, she just never saw herself being friends with her, never did, never will.
"Betty? What are you doing here?" Jimmy asked, walking up holding a carton of eggnog.
"Oh Cindy and I were just catching up, but I really should get going. Happy Holidays guys" Betty waved before taking her leave. Jimmy was beyond confused
"What was that all about?
"Oh nothing just reliving old irrelevant memories" Cindy said uninterested.
Jimmy nodded showing her the eggnog " I got the goods, let's go check out" Jimmy grabber her hand and headed for the register to check out.
" My word ,Cindy and Jimbo, come on in. How the heck are you two?" Mr. Wheezer spoke inviting them into his home.
"We're great , how about yourself? It's been a minute" Jimmy spoke for the two of them before being greeted by Mrs. Wheezer.
"Oh my word, Cindy and Jimmy. Welcome, welcome, make yourself at home food and refreshments are in the kitchen, help yourself"
"Thank you Mrs. Wheezer, we brought eggnog and I made peanut butter blossom cookies" Cindy always came prepared when she was invited over to the Wheezers,. For as nice as Mrs. Wheezer was, her cooking wasn't.
"Oh lovely, put them right next to the delicious cookies I made" Mrs. Wheezer was quick to answer her back. Jimmy and Cindy walked into the dining room, where the rest of the gang was hanging out.
"Delicious my ass" Cindy mumbled.
Jimmy gave her a look "That's not very polite"
"Coming from the guy who ruined Christmas for a little kid yesterday, you can't really judge" Cindy laughed remembering the events of yesterday. They greeted the rest of the gang who looked deep in conversation.
"We're just reminiscing about High school" Libby filled Jimmy and Cindy in on what was going on.
"Let's crank out the booze, Jim, did you bring the eggnog?" Sheen questioned Jimmy who just pointed to the kitchen.
Libby pulled Cindy into the corner to talk. " How was your date last night with Jimmy, did you tell him the big news?" Cindy filled Libby on everything no matter the situation. Libby was always there for her, calming her down. Telling her everything was going to be okay and like always she was right.
"It was perfect Libs, how was baking cookies with Sheen last night?"
"Surprisingly well, Sheen is a terrible baker, but Carl made up for it." Libby was happy that Carl accepted their invitation to come hangout with them, as awkward as he could be. He was so sweet and hilarious.
"Carl was third wheeling again? We need to get him back into dating." Cindy stated like it was a mission for her.
Libby nodded, both girls turned to look at Carl who was laughing out loud at something Jimmy had said to him.
"It won't be that easy, he hasn't been the same since Elke broke up with him and on Christmas eve no less." Libby had half a mind to track her down a give her an ass whooping. Folfax style.
"That bitch" Cindy remembered it like it was yesterday, Jimmy had been on the phone with him all Christmas eve, even missing out on giving her parents a tour of San Diego with her.
"He needs some girl assistance" Libby instantly came up with a great idea after saying that, hoping Cindy would catch on.
Cindy smirked " Does this mean a girls trip to Florida in the not so distant future?"
"Oooo, girl you read my mind" Looks like plan "get Carl a girlfriend" was in the works.
Jimmy walked up to Carl, noticing that he was looking a bit down. " What's up Carl, you don't very merry this Christmas eve" Jimmy was proud of his word play.
Carl lifted his head " What?, oh nothing I'm just hanging out." Jimmy called his bluff.
" Carl, you're a terrible liar" Jimmy instantly remembered what day it was. Now he knew why Carl looked down. "It's about Elke right?" Carl just nodded his head.
Jimmy remembered everything like it was yesterday. He was doing some research in his office when Carl had called him, heartbroken. Things didn't work out with Elke , it was the worst timing ever. Cindy's parents had flown in the day before, Jimmy tried his best to cheer him up over the phone but to no avail.
" It was the worst Christmas ever" Carl was really upset and he had every right to be. Due to his busy work schedule he had to stay in Florida thus spending the Holiday by himself.
"If it wasn't for you and Sheen coming down, I don't know what I would of done. Thank you again." Jimmy smiled.
Jimmy immediately called Sheen after calming Carl down, they both had booked plane tickets to Florida for the 26th, without hesitation. Jimmy had apologized to the Vortexs for leaving so sudden during their stay, but they were understanding especially Mrs. Vortex for some odd reason.
" I just hate bringing her up all the time, but what if she was the one?" Carls question was genuine and Jimmy understood that.
"Maybe , maybe not, but contrary to popular belief. There's multiple "ones" Jimmy was no love guru, but Carl was still young he had plenty of time to find love.
Carl immediately felt relief after hearing those words, especially when they came from his best friend.
For example, I hear Mrs. Fowl is available" Jimmy informed Carl who straight up cackled after hearing that.
Sheen had returned with drinks handing everyone a cup. Jimmy smelled the concoction that was given to him, it instantly cleared his nostrils.
" It's eggnog" Sheen sounded a bit too enthusiastic. Everyone took a taste immediately wincing.
"This is pure Whiskey" As much as Jimmy liked whiskey, this was pretty rough, nonetheless he kept drinking.
Sheen looked offended " Ehh about eighty percent actually, I bet Cindy likes it." Cindy just gave him a thumbs up.
"Remind me to sign you both up for AA meetings after this" Libby set her cup down, having more than enough of her fair share.
In came Mr. Wheezer looking as jolly as can be. " What are you young guns sippin on?" Mr. Wheezer grabbed Carls up downing it in three gulps, everyone looked on worried. " Wowza, what is in there?" he asked
"Alcohol?" Cindy stated as if it wasn't obvious.
Mr. Wheezer rubbed his stomach "Never had it, but taste good."
"That's what I'm saying" Sheen cried out. Cindy and Libby just stared at Mr. Wheezer, dumbfounded.
" Well, don't mind me, the missus and I are off to to do some caroling. Don't get too wild and have a Merry Christmas" Mr. Wheezer winked at everyone before dashing through the door and to his car.
"The hell just happened" Libby spoke up
" Don't know, but Carls dad is about to be hammered. Have they never experienced alcohol?" Cindy couldn't contain her laughter.
" No idea, I've never seen them drink in the house before." Carl informed his friends a bit worried his father might do something embarrassing.
"Well I'm honored I gave him his first drink" Sheen was truly proud at this new accomplishment.
A few moments later everyone was in the living room eating snacks and talking amongst themselves.
"I can't believe you brought that table over here" Libby was beyond embarrassed
"Relax babe, Carl said he needed a sturdy table and I gave him one" Sheen winked at Libby, who was currently watching Carl carefully pick up cookies trying not to drop them on the table.
Libby sighed " As long as no one knows, it's fine I guess"
"Well….about that actually" Sheen started up
"Sheen!" Libby began to feel embarrassed, ready to pounce on her husband.
" What movie are we watching" Jimmy interrupted the couple, thus saving Sheens life in the process.
"I thought we agreed on Rudolph" Carl responded.
"No you agreed to Rudolph, we didn't . We're watching Frosty". Sheen and Carl were acting like children.
"How cliche" Cindy added, uninterested in their choice of movies.
Sheen smiled " Well, we could watch the grinch aka you"
"I already told you, I love Christmas, dork." Cindy took a seat on the couch.
"Ahh friendly discussion amongst the group, I missed that" Libby added, taking a seat on the couch to the right of Cindy.
" Forget about the dumb movie, how about we just sit here and reminisce about the old days?" Carl stood up, lighting the fireplace up. Jimmy noticed how he was becoming more open and looser, this wasn't just the alcohols doing. He knew just how much the friend group meant to Carl, especially since he was the farthest away from everyone. Carl was just being Carl.
The gang were sitting around chatting it up, discussing their favorite adventure. Sheen and Libby on one couch, Jimmy and Cindy on the other. While Carl was seated on the recliner.
"I think my favorite adventure was when we went to Egypt and I got that banging ass hairstyle. Did you guys know I'm related to Cleopatra? Libby questioned everyone
"No, why don't you remind us all again." Cindy replied giggling.
"My favorite adventure would have to be when I saved Libbylicious from Yoo-yee. Thanks to a little help from my best friends and you" Sheen turned his head to Libby smiling down on her.
"My hero" Libby pulled Sheen in for a quick kiss.
"Mine would have to be the time on Valentines day when Jimmy invented the love potion. You guys fell in love with Cindy and Libby and I fell in love with Judy Neutron, the most beautiful, wonderful, passionate wome-" Carl stopped quickly noticing everyone was looking at him. "What?"
Everyone decided to brush off his comments.
"What about you Cind? what's your favorite" Libby turned to Cindy who was thinking.
"Hmmm, there's just so many to pick from, from trading bodies with Jimmy, to being special girl. I think my favorite would have to be when Libby became the gossip anchor for the news show we had." It was also the first time Jimmy had really kissed her. She kept that to herself though.
Libby remembered how out of control she was, shaking her head. "Ugh don't remind me, I felt like a dictator"
Jimmy , Carl and Sheen laughed at her statement, remembering their trip to the future and having to deal with a megalomanium crazed Libby and her cop-bot.
"Your turn Jim" Carl turned to his best friend curious as to what his favorite adventure would be.
" Well I've been on numerous adventures" Jimmy started off, this question was an easy one he looked at Cindy who was sitting down next to him. " But my favorite would have to be accidently getting stranded on the Island in the pacific with Cindy"
During that trip Jimmy got to know Cindy much better, spending time alone. "That adventure made me realize how great of a person you really are, it was perfect." Cindy was feeling loved, being more than content with his answer, she pulled Jimmy in for a kiss.
Sheen stood up "Not that I would want to ruin your guys moment, but do you all really want to know what our greatest adventure was!? Sheen was getting hype, everyone nodded enjoying his outburst. " Our greatest adventure was everything and anything that we all did together" He continued " No matter all the issues we might have faced in Elementary school" He turned to look at Jimmy. " Or any issues we faced in High school" He then turned to look at Cindy. "Or any personal issues we've had in general" he turned to Libby and then Carl. "We're a family, no MATTER WHAT." Sheens words caused a jolt of sensation in everyones body.
"GROUP HUG NOW" Sheen pulled everyone in and no one detested
Cindy and Jimmy exited the Wheezer household it was getting late and they didn't want to be up too long.
"I haven't see Sheen that hype since the new ultralord movie came out" Jimmy informed Cindy as they walked a short walk home. Cindy however ignored his statement
You know Jimmy, I never told you how turned on I was when you punched that frat boy in the club the other night." Jimmy was liking where this was going, he looked over to his driveway, nobody home.
" So tell me, what does Jimmy want for Christmas, or was he a bad, bad boy. Cindy purred into Jimmys ear seductively. At this point Jimmy could not hold in his excitement, until of course until he saw Cindy begin to laugh.
Cindy could not contain her laughter. " It's so funny to see you so hot and bothered"
"Say another word and I'm returning all your Christmas presents." Jimmy couldn't believe it, how dare Cindy tease him.
" I'm only joking, remember I did say you could get lucky tonight, didn't I?" Cindy reminded Jimmy of their conversation earlier.
"Who says I'd even sleep with you?" Jimmy tried to fight back but even he didn't believe himself.
" Well, considering how you almost started sweating a few second ago, I'd say everyone. It's fine though, I guess I'll just go home and lay in bed, just underwear on. Cindy turned right, beginning to head to her house.
" Wait " Jimmy called out to her, she knew he couldn't resist. Jimmy immediately caught up to Cindy turning her around and pulling her into a kiss, which ended up turning into a full blow makeout session in the middle of the road.
If Jimmy were an animal he'd have his way with her right then and there. However,he was a gentlemen, sometimes. Jimmy picked Cindy up and carried her into his house and all the way up to his room. Slamming and locking his door shut.