"Phineas and Ferb. What are they up to?" Candace asked herself, staring through a pair of binoculars at her backyard, against the noise of machinery, a racket that projected itself throughout the neighborhood.
As she was trying to figure out what they were building - was it an old-timey arcade game? - when she heard a sigh. Candace turned around to find Isabella on the couch, looking glum.
"Hey...I didn't notice you there. What's wrong?" Candace asked, setting down the binoculars on the kitchen counter.
"It's Phineas," Isabella replied, a bit teary-eyed. "I've been trying to tell him I like him for years, but...he's always been oblivious, now more so than ever. And if I do tell him...what if he turns me down?"
Candace immediately felt pity for the poor girl. She decided to do something about it. Sure, Isabella helped Candace's brothers build those wacky inventions and possibly was connected to the mysterious force that took them away before Candace could bust them, but she still needed guidance.
"You know," Candace said (Isabella looked up when she heard that) "I used to be as nervous as you are regarding Jeremy. Then Mom gave me some dating advice, and after a couple tries, poof! He's my guy."
"Yeah, but Jeremy obviously liked you back. Even Buford knew that, and he's, well, Buford."
"All I'm trying to do is help, Isabella. I know what it's like to have a crush."
"I've never gotten him to notice me before," Isabella said quietly. She looked up at Candace and said, "It's worth a try."
"Good."
As Candace began rattling off the first lesson, Isabella made sure to pay close attention. This time, she told herself, she would do it.