In the backyard, the once lively atmosphere of the party had given way to a tense, heavy silence. It was just Betty and Cindy now, standing a few feet apart, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. The air between them crackled with unspoken animosity, each knowing exactly what the other was thinking—Jimmy Neutron.
Betty was the first to break the silence, her smirk curling at the corners of her lips. "Well, What is Miss Vortex doing here, let me guess you're probably here to make sure your dream guy doesn't get stolen, right?"
Cindy's jaw clenched, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to maintain her composure. She knew Betty was trying to provoke her, but she wouldn't give her the satisfaction. "Isn't it funny how you always seem to be around whenever Jimmy's doing something impressive? Like you're just waiting to latch onto his spotlight. It's almost as if you need him to feel important."
Betty's smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Big words from someone who's always the loudest in the room. The only reason Jimmy even notices you is because you never shut up. But deep down, we all know you're nothing but a nuisance to him—a constant annoyance. Do you really think he'd ever choose someone as abrasive as you?"
Cindy's eyes flashed with anger, but she forced a smile, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Funny, because he already chose me. Sure, today he might be distracted by your 'perfect' body, but the future? You won't even be a footnote."
Betty let out a mocking laugh, her voice laced with contempt. "Oh, please. Any delusional girl can claim to know the future. You knew, If I want Jimmy to be my boyfriend but he refuses, that's fine. I won't cry all night, unlike you."
Cindy felt her patience snap. "Yeah, you won't, trash girl! Isn't that what your boyfriend Nick is for?"
Betty's eyes narrowed, but she kept her cool. "Well, whether Nick is my boyfriend or not I can take Jimmy from you too if I want to, you know I'm so perfect I can take any boy you want one by one and keep you single."
That was it. Cindy couldn't hold back any longer. "I'm done listening to your crap, Quinlan!" With a swift motion, Cindy grabbed the nearest thing she could find—a tray of drinks—and hurled it at Betty. But Betty was quick; she sidestepped the tray, letting the contents splash harmlessly onto the ground.
Betty laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "Is that the best you've got? No wonder Jimmy doesn't take you seriously. You're just a spoiled brat throwing tantrums."
Cindy's anger flared hotter, her voice low and dangerous. "Spoiled? You think I'm spoiled? Look in the mirror. You're used to everyone falling at your feet, but not everyone is as shallow as you."
Betty's smirk faltered, and for a moment, the two girls simply glared at each other, the tension between them reaching a boiling point. Then, in an instant, Cindy lunged forward, closing the distance between them with a fierce determination.
The fight was immediate and intense. Betty was quick, her reflexes sharp as she dodged Cindy's initial attack, but Cindy was relentless, her anger fueling her every move. She threw punches, kicked, and shoved, determined to overpower Betty.
Although Betty is not as athletic and fierce as Cindy, she is not easy either. She blocked Cindy's punches with a practiced ease, delivering sharp jabs that stung with every hit. Her sarcasm never ceased, her voice dripping with mockery. "What's the matter, Vortex? Your fighting skills won't help, I'm starting to think you're just mimicking cat movements."
Cindy's eyes blazed with fury. She couldn't take another word. With a guttural growl, she lunged forward, catching Betty off guard with a sudden, ferocious tackle that sent them both crashing to the ground. The fight turned savage as they rolled across the grass, each struggling for dominance. Hair was yanked, nails dug deep, and fists flew in a chaotic flurry, each girl fighting as if her very pride was on the line.
"You're nothing but a fake, Quinlan!" Cindy spat, shoving Betty with all her might, trying to knock her off balance. "Always pretending to be better than everyone else. But you're just a shallow, self-absorbed witch!"
Betty's eyes flashed with anger as she swung back, her fist connecting hard with Cindy's jaw. "And you're just a loudmouthed, desperate loser who thinks she can win a guy by shouting the loudest!" she hissed, her voice laced with venom.
Cindy winced, the pain only igniting her rage further. With a furious snarl, she threw a wild punch that landed squarely on Betty's side, making her gasp for breath. "This is for every time you tried to worm your way between Neutron and me, you manipulative cow!"
The fight escalated as they grabbed anything within reach to use as weapons. Cindy's hand found a bottle of soda, and without hesitation, she hurled it at Betty. The bottle exploded on impact, drenching Betty in sticky liquid. "That's for all the times you've tried to humiliate me" Cindy snarled.
Betty, now soaked and seething, retaliated by grabbing a bowl of chips and flinging it at Cindy's face. Chips scattered everywhere, sticking to Cindy's hair and clothes. "And that's for every time you thought you could outshine me!" Betty shot back, her voice trembling with rage.
The two girls continued to hurl whatever they could get their hands on—plates, cups, utensils, decorations. The backyard party quickly descended into chaos as food and drinks flew through the air, the once neat and festive space now a battlefield of destruction. Their sharp tongues didn't let up either, each insult cutting deeper than the last.
"You're just jealous because you know I'll always be better than you!" Betty screamed, her voice filled with arrogance as she grabbed a handful of cake and smeared it across Cindy's face.
Cindy wiped the cake from her eyes, her expression murderous. "Stupid magic show, didn't you say that Jimmy was mine or did you want him back because Nick had started cheating on you?" She grabbed a vase of flowers and threw it at Betty, the glass shattering as it hit its mark.
Betty's eyes narrowed into slits as she delivered a vicious kick to Cindy's shin, causing her to stumble. "At that time I thought you would change your behavior towards him and mature but I was wrong, you don't deserve him!" she retorted, her voice sharp and cutting.
Nearby, the sound of their fight had drawn a small crowd. Nick was the first to rush into the backyard, followed closely by Jimmy, Libby, Heartis, and Sheen. They stood frozen for a moment, shocked by the scene unfolding before them. The once festive backyard was now a battlefield, food and decorations scattered everywhere, and in the center of it all, Cindy and Betty were locked in a life-or-death struggle.
Nick's fists clenched at his sides, his instinct to protect Betty nearly overwhelming him. He looked ready to jump in at any moment, but something held him back—perhaps the realization that this was a fight that had to play out. Sheen stood beside him, his eyes wide with confusion. "What the heck is going on?" he whispered, completely lost.
The fight between Betty and Cindy was so terrible that they didn't notice Nick and the others just a few steps away.
Betty grabbed a chair and slammed it down on Cindy who barely ducked in time. "You're just a rude bitch! Jimmy is better off without you. He deserves a better girlfriend, even if it's not me."
Cindy, now drenched and fuming, grabbed the chair out of Betty's hands and slammed it down, breaking it apart. "You don't know anything, Quinlan!" she roared, launching herself at Betty with renewed fury.
"Just try one of his inventions, and you'll see with your own eyes who Jimmy ends up with!" Cindy shouted, her voice filled with contempt as she grabbed Betty by the hair and yanked hard. Here Cindy and Betty have not yet noticed the others' presence.
Libby's expression was a mix of concern and disbelief. "They're gonna kill each other!" she exclaimed, but it was Jimmy who drew everyone's attention.
Jimmy's eyes were narrowed in thought, his normally sharp mind struggling to piece together the strange puzzle that had suddenly fallen into his lap. His gaze shifted between the two fighting girls, and something Cindy had said echoed in his mind, something about using "one of his inventions" to prove her point. He frowned, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing second.
"What are you talking about? You still pretend to know the future?" Betty shot back, her tone dripping with disdain. But Cindy's eyes blazed with a fierceness that sent a chill down Jimmy's spine.
Finally, they stumbled apart, glaring at each other with unbridled hatred. The backyard was a disaster—food and decorations strewn everywhere, furniture overturned, and the once lively party atmosphere completely ruined. They stood there, panting, their eyes still locked in a fierce stare, neither willing to admit defeat.
"His time travel watch, you idiot!" Cindy managed to shout, her voice breathless but defiant.
Jimmy's suspicion grew and his eyes widened as he gathered his thoughts. He turned slowly, trembling, to stare at Heartis. ...Time travel watch?... Is she referring to my watch or that boy's watch, didn't she say both watches look alike... Jimmy gritted his teeth as he stared angrily at Heartis and then Cindy. ...God...don't say this is another joke about my future...damn you Vortex!...
As Nick moved to separate the two girls, placing himself between them with a commanding "Enough!" his voice echoed with authority, trying to bring the chaos to a halt. But the tension was too thick, the anger too fierce. Cindy's eyes still blazed with fury, and before Nick could even register what was happening, she acted on instinct. With a swift, almost reflexive movement, Cindy slammed her leg into Nick's foot. The impact was hard and precise, causing Nick to stumble backward, his balance lost. He crashed into a nearby table, the wood splintering under his weight as he fell to the ground with a groan of pain.
For a moment, there was a stunned silence. Nick struggled to get to his feet, wincing as he tried to shake off the pain. But when he looked up at Cindy, his expression shifted from shock to pure, unbridled rage. His eyes narrowed, his lips curled into a snarl, and without thinking, he lunged at Cindy, intent on taking revenge."YOU ARE DEAD!"
But just as Nick was about to reach Cindy, something extraordinary happened. In a blur of motion, Jimmy appeared out of nowhere, intercepting Nick with a forceful shove that sent him stumbling back. The sheer speed and precision of Jimmy's move left everyone stunned. It was as if Jimmy had been possessed by some extraordinary power—one that none of them had seen before.
Cindy, Betty, Libby, Sheen, and Heartis all froze, their eyes wide with disbelief. They knew Jimmy was still under the control of his evil clone, or at least, they thought he was. But this? This was something different, something terrifying. Jimmy's eyes were filled with a fierce intensity as he took a fighting stance, his muscles tensed and his fists clenched. He gritted his teeth, a low growl escaping his lips as he glared at Nick, his entire body radiating anger. ...Crap!, What did I just do?...
But then, something changed. As Jimmy's eyes darted to Cindy, he saw the redness on her face. His expression softened for a brief moment, but then, without warning, a wave of dizziness overtook him. Jimmy's vision blurred, and he staggered, his legs buckling beneath him. He tried to steady himself, but it was no use—he collapsed to the ground, his body trembling.
Before anyone could react, a strange red light began to pulse from Jimmy's body, faint at first, but growing brighter and more intense with each passing second. The light seemed to come from deep within him, glowing through his skin, until it became almost blinding. The red light pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, growing stronger, faster, until finally—
An explosion of light erupted from Jimmy, rippling outward like a shockwave. The entire city seemed to tremble as the blast of red energy spread, washing over everything in its path. It wasn't a deadly explosion—no buildings were destroyed, no one was harmed—but the force of it was enough to knock everyone off their feet. The light was intense, filling the sky, radiating outwards in all directions, visible from miles away.
As the light began to fade, the backyard was left in an eerie silence. Everyone lay on the ground, dazed and disoriented, the chaos of moments before replaced by a strange, almost reverent stillness. The once-fierce battle between Cindy and Betty was forgotten, overshadowed by the inexplicable event they had just witnessed.
Heartis was the first to stir, slowly rising to his feet, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. His eyes locked onto Jimmy's motionless form, a mixture of shock and realization dawning on him. "Wait... is this what my father meant... could it be?" he murmured to himself, the pieces of a larger puzzle starting to fall into place in his mind.
The others were struggling to regain their composure, still shaken by the blast of energy that had knocked them down. But for Cindy, the world narrowed to a single point as her gaze fell on Jimmy, lying unconscious on the ground. All thoughts of the fight, of Betty, of anything else, vanished in an instant. Her heart clenched with fear and worry, and without hesitation, she rushed to his side.
"Jimmy!" she cried out, her voice trembling with emotion as she knelt beside him. Her hands hovered over him, unsure for a moment, before she gently cradled his head in her lap. "Don't leave me... Jimmy!..." Her voice cracked with desperation.
For what felt like an eternity, there was no response. Jimmy lay still, his face pale, his breathing shallow. But then, just as Cindy's fear threatened to overwhelm her, she felt the faintest of movements. Jimmy's eyelids fluttered, and he let out a weak moan, his body stirring ever so slightly.
Cindy's breath caught in her throat as she watched him slowly open his eyes, if only a little, before closing them again with a sigh of relief. "I did it!... he's finally back!" she cried, her voice filled with a mixture of joy and disbelief.
The others, still recovering from the shock, looked on in confusion. They saw Cindy's tears, heard the emotion in her voice, but they couldn't fully grasp the significance of what had just happened. To them, it seemed like Cindy was simply relieved that Jimmy had survived—but it was so much more than that.
As Cindy held him close, her heart swelling with happiness, the others began to pick themselves up, still bewildered by the events that had unfolded. None of them could fully comprehend what had just taken place, but one thing was clear—whatever had happened to Jimmy had changed everything.
Nick groaned as he struggled to his feet, his face twisted with rage. He barely spared a glance at the unconscious Jimmy, his mind singularly focused on revenge. Cindy had humiliated him, ruined the party, and worst of all, made him look like a fool in front of everyone—especially in front of Betty.
With a growl, Nick began crawling toward Cindy, his eyes blazing with fury. Every inch of him screamed for payback, his anger overwhelming any concern for what had just happened to Jimmy. He was going to make Cindy regret everything.
Betty, still seething from the fight and the utter destruction of her party, pointed an accusing finger at Cindy. "You owe me, Vortex! This entire party is a disaster because of you! Do you have any idea how much this is going to cost to fix? You better be ready to pay up, because I'm not letting you off the hook!"
Jimmy, now fully himself again but still weak from the ordeal, watched helplessly as the scene unfolded. He could barely sit up, his body trembling from exhaustion. Cindy, noticing his struggle, quickly moved to help him, wrapping her arm around him for support. But even as she held Jimmy close, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread creeping up her spine. Nick's murderous glare and Betty's furious shouting filled the air, making the situation feel increasingly out of control.
As Nick inched closer, his intentions clear, and Betty's demands grew louder, the tension reached its breaking point. But just when it seemed like the chaos was about to explode again, a voice cut through the noise.
"Uh… guys?" Sheen's confused tone cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention. He stood a few feet away, his eyes wide and locked on something—or someone—emerging from the shadows. "Am I the only one seeing another Jimmy?"
All eyes snapped to where Sheen was pointing, and there, standing ominously in the dim light, was a figure that looked disturbingly like Jimmy—but twisted. His hair was styled in a devilish manner, and his eyes gleamed with a sinister light. The air around him crackled with malevolence, his anger radiating off him in waves. It was as if all the darkness and malice that had once been a part of Jimmy had taken on a life of its own.
The sight of Evil Jimmy sent a collective shiver through the group. He stepped forward, and as he did, the bright red light that had accompanied his separation flared again, casting long, menacing shadows across the backyard. The tension in the air was palpable.
Heartis, eyes narrowing with fury, stepped forward, his body tense and ready for a fight. "So you're the damn clone, huh? You're not getting away with what you did to him, you scum of the universe!" His voice was sharp, filled with righteous anger.
Evil Jimmy's lips curled into a slight, mocking smile as he let out a light, sinister laugh. "Scum of the universe? You dirty brat! Is that any way to address your father?"
The words hung in the air, heavy and shocking.
"What?" Sheen blinked in disbelief.
"What?" Betty's eyes widened, the confusion clear on her face.
"What?" Nick's voice was tinged with both surprise and anger.
Heartis clenched his teeth, his anger boiling over. "You're not my father! You're just a twisted clone who belongs in the dustbin of history. You'll pay for everything you've done!"
Sheen, who was teetering on the edge of confusion and panic, threw his hands up in exasperation. "Can someone please explain what's going on here? Why is there an evil clone of Jimmy? And you!" He pointed at Heartis. "What does Jimmy have to do with you?"
Heartis ignored Sheen's outburst, his focus entirely on Evil Jimmy. His determination to take down this dark version of his father was unwavering. He took another step forward, his expression fierce and unyielding.
"Heartis!" Jimmy's voice, though weak, was filled with authority. All eyes turned to Jimmy, who was struggling to sit up, exhaustion evident in his every movement, yet there was a frown of determination etched on his face.
"This is my clone," Jimmy declared, his voice growing stronger as he continued. "So if anyone's going to kick his ass, it's me." He staggered to his feet, each movement a testament to his willpower. "I've caused you guys enough trouble. It's time for me to face this myself."
Jimmy's unexpected courage took everyone by surprise. Betty's initial annoyance was replaced by concern, her voice rising in alarm. "What? Are you crazy? You can barely stand!"
Cindy, already bristling from the earlier events, shot to her feet and marched towards Betty, her voice filled with anger and jealousy. "Crazy?, so you were just pretending to appreciate him more than anyone else!"
Betty, now caught off guard, stepped back slightly, but her fiery personality wouldn't let her back down. "What are you talking about, Vortex? I was just trying to—"
"'Are you crazy?'" Cindy mimicked Betty's tone with biting sarcasm. "Where's the respect in that?" Her voice grew more intense, her protectiveness over Jimmy evident. "Listen, Quinlan, you're the last person who should be talking. Just shut up and mind your own business!" Cindy's words were sharp, cutting through the tension, her loyalty to Jimmy shining brightly in the chaos.
Evil Jimmy, watching the exchange, sneered, his dark thoughts momentarily distracted by the petty human drama before him. "You all talk big, but in the end, you're just as pathetic as ever." He glanced at Jimmy, his smirk growing wider. "You know, Jimmy Neutron, you were right on some points, so I'm not interested in revenge anymore, because I've had enough of it. But I wouldn't mind making your life a living hell in front of your little friends if you dare stand up to me."
Confusion flickered across everyone's faces as they processed Evil Jimmy's words. Before anyone could react, he raised his hand, emitting a pulsating red aura that seemed to tear through the air itself, forming a crack—a portal leading to his evil dimension.
As the portal opened wider, the atmosphere grew tense, the bright red light casting eerie shadows across the yard. Just as Evil Jimmy prepared to step through, a sudden movement caught him off guard. Out of nowhere, a soda can flew through the air, smashing directly into Evil Jimmy's face. The sticky liquid splashed over him, momentarily blinding him.
As he wiped his eyes in fury, his vision cleared just in time to see Jimmy, now only a few feet away, charging at him with determination burning in his eyes. Before Evil Jimmy could react, Jimmy's fist connected with his jaw, sending him staggering back. The force of the punch caused the portal to flicker and shake, destabilizing it.
Evil Jimmy snarled in pain and anger, but before he could recover, the portal behind him wavered and began to collapse.
Jimmy, still seething with rage, didn't back down. His entire body trembled with the resolve to eliminate his evil clone once and for all. "Before you say I'll come back and take revenge, next time I'll be the one to come and remove your existence"
Evil Jimmy, still dazed from the blow, smirked through the pain. Despite his fatigue and the chaos around him, his smile was wicked, full of malice. "You're brave, Jimmy, but know this—next time, I won't be alone. I'll have a partner. And together, we will defeat you and your pathetic friends." With a final, hate-filled glare, he let the portal pull him through. The red light vanished in an instant, and the atmosphere suddenly grew still.
Jimmy clenched his fists as Evil Jimmy disappeared, the weight of his clone's parting words lingering heavily in the air. He had a sinking suspicion about who this mysterious partner might be—Evil Cindy. But for now, there were more immediate problems to deal with.
The group stood frozen in silence, trying to absorb the surreal events that had just unfolded. It was Sheen, ever the out-of-touch oddball, who finally broke the tension. "Uh, I still don't get it… What was all that about?"
Nick, still nursing his bruised pride and lingering anger, stalked toward Cindy. His eyes were filled with resentment as he muttered, "Whatever just happened to your boyfriend, it doesn't change anything. You're still gonna pay for what you did." With a quick, impulsive motion, Nick raised his hand, clearly intending to strike Cindy.
But before he could make contact, Jimmy stepped in, his hand grabbing Nick's wrist just in time. "Don't do it!" Jimmy shouted, his voice firm. He stepped in front of Cindy protectively, his eyes locked onto Nick's with a plea for reason. "I get that you're angry, but let's not make this worse. Let's deal with this calmly."
Nick glared at Jimmy but didn't push back. He yanked his arm away and stood still, seething but momentarily deterred.
Jimmy turned to Betty next, his voice softer but still tired from everything that had transpired. "Betty, I'm sorry for what happened to your party. I'll cover the cost and make it right. I just want to end this nonsense."
Betty raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest with a huff of indignation. "Oh, no. You're not paying for this mess, Jimmy. That honor goes to little blonde, who's the reason my party got ruined in the first place."
Cindy, unable to keep quiet, shot back with her trademark sarcasm, "Are you serious right now, Quinlan? don't forget that you are the one who started provoking me. If you were so concerned about your precious party, maybe you shouldn't have reciprocated and thrown things at me, don't think I'm stupid enough not to notice."
Jimmy, already exhausted, held up his hands in frustration, trying to diffuse the escalating tension. "Enough! just stop. I'll take responsibility for the party, and that's final. I'm not going to stand here and listen to you two tear each other apart."
He glanced briefly at Betty but didn't wait for a response. He was already done with the entire situation, ready to leave. Jimmy began walking away, heading toward his spaceship with his mind set on ending this nightmare. "I'll handle the payment and be done with it," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He didn't care about the petty arguments anymore—he just wanted peace.
Cindy sensed that the tension with Nick was far from over, and she noticed the burning hatred still etched on his face. Without waiting for anything else to happen, she ran away, followed quickly by Heartis, Libby, and Sheen. She didn't care what happened next—all she knew was that she needed to get out of there before things got worse.
That night, Retroville was in a state of turmoil. The shock of Sheen's return after two months of being lost had left many people sleepless. Libby tried her best to explain the strange events, while Cindy, who was distraught, watched the situation vigilantly. She was worried that people would undoubtedly point fingers at Jimmy, so she had a mouth, knowing full well that it was Sheen who was the one who was being a total moron and always had been. Surprisingly, at the same time, Jimmy, completely exhausted from everything that had happened, retreated to the safety of his lab. He had locked himself away completely so that no one could reach him, and he needed the isolation to recover. He slept soundly, unaffected by the worries of the outside world. Everyone was tired of this farce and decided to end it by leaving the two Boy.
Heartis had decided to return to his time, Cindy asked him to come back tomorrow because she wanted to know more about her future, he gladly agreed.
· Sunday morning
Jimmy Neutron, the young genius who was always two steps ahead of everyone else, woke up on a quiet Sunday morning, but he still needed rest.
He lay in bed for a few moments, enjoying the rare silence that filled his room, he rose from bed, stretching as sunlight poured through the blinds. The day was already off to an unusual start, and Jimmy felt an unfamiliar sense of calm wash over him.
Jimmy put on his clothes, the same ones he went to Betty's party in, jeans and a gray shirt with a red apron open over it, then headed downstairs. His mother, Judy Neutron, nearly dropped the spatula she was holding when she saw her son enter the kitchen—not with plans to dash to his lab, but simply to have breakfast. He sat down at the table, grabbing a piece of toast like any normal kid would.
"Morning, Mom," he greeted casually.
"Good morning," she responded, still slightly bewildered. "Uh...Jimmy are you feeling better, I mean are you-"
"I'm fine, no need to worry anymore" Jimmy interrupted her. "I'm just bored, anything I can help with?"
Judy was taken aback. It wasn't like Jimmy to offer help with chores—his mind was usually far too occupied with more advanced matters. But today, he stayed in the kitchen, helping his mother tidy up, even cleaning the counters without being asked. Then, he went outside to assist his father, Hugh, in the garden. Hugh was thrilled to have his son's help, and the two spent a good hour trimming bushes and planting some flowers.
For Jimmy, it was a grounding experience. It felt strange not to be thinking ten steps ahead, but in a good way. He felt more connected to his family, doing simple, everyday things with them.
Later, Jimmy found himself wandering through Retroville, something he rarely did without an urgent mission or some form of scientific inquiry driving him. As he walked, he noticed things he hadn't paid attention to before—the small details of his town, the smell of freshly baked bread from the bakery, the chatter of kids playing in the park, and the colorful banners advertising an upcoming carnival. It was all so…normal.
Passing through the park, Jimmy stopped to watch a group of kids play soccer. He didn't feel the usual urge to analyze the physics behind the ball's trajectory or come up with a new gadget to improve their game. Instead, he just watched, smiling to himself as the kids cheered for each goal. This was something he'd often missed out on—just being present.
As Jimmy continued walking, he crossed paths with Betty Quinlan. Betty, still the charming and popular girl she had always been, noticed him and waved.
"Jimmy! Fancy seeing you outside of your lab," she teased with a grin, her tone light and playful.
Jimmy chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess I'm doing things a little differently today."
They fell into step together, casually strolling down the street. Jimmy's mind flickered back to the party fiasco, and he felt the need to apologize once more, even though the dust had settled.
"Hey, about your party… I'm really sorry for how things went down," Jimmy said, his voice sincere. "Cindy, well, she—"
Betty stopped him with a shake of her head, her expression softening. "Jimmy, it's okay. Really. You don't need to keep apologizing. This wasn't even your fault." She smiled kindly. "You don't have to worry about paying for anything. I decided to hold the party again. Your friends are not invited. I don't want any more trouble, so I'm sorry that you are not invited either."
"It's okay." Jimmy replied, feeling lighter.
"Well..." Betty nodded trying to keep a smile on her face. "Trust me, Jimmy, you'd better warn her to stay out of my sight or else the worst will happen."
Since Jimmy remembers everything since Evil Jimmy took control of him, which is strange.
"I understand your anger, do whatever you want with her, but please don't bring me into it."
They parted ways after some casual small talk, and Jimmy continued on his walk, feeling strangely at peace.
· 11:15AM
Cindy just woke up, looked in the mirror and was startled to see a small hint of dark circles under her eyes, because she hadn't slept well and had actually stayed up all night until dawn.
Same thing for the Libby but she continued sleeping.
She hadn't slept well, but she wasn't going to let that stop her from getting through the day. After everything that had transpired between her, Jimmy, and Betty, she knew today required some careful thought and planning. She mentally prepared herself for what needed to be done and, despite her tiredness, resolved to face whatever challenges came her way.
After tidying her hair into a neat ponytail, she grabbed her usual outfit, pulling it on with a sense of determination. Today would be different—she could feel it. With one last glance in the mirror, she took a deep breath and headed downstairs for breakfast.
The aroma of freshly made waffles filled the kitchen as Cindy entered, sitting down at the table. Her mother, Sasha Vortex.
"What is this, sweetie. You look a bit tired. Didn't sleep well?" Sasha asked as she placed a plate of waffles in front of Cindy.
Cindy shook her head slightly, offering a small smile as she cut into her food. "Not really, Mom. A lot happened yesterday…"
Sasha sat down beside her, sensing the weight in Cindy's tone. "About that naughty boy who was found or Neutron?"
Taking a deep breath, Cindy decided to explain. She knew it was better to get everything off her chest before the day truly began. "Well, it's kind of complicated, but it's about Neutron. He's been… well, he was dealing with something really intense. You know that fight I had with Betty yesterday? That was bad enough, but Jimmy… Mom, he was under the control of his evil clone."
Sasha raised her eyebrows, her face contorting with disgust at the mention of an "evil clone." "An evil clone?...Alright, What did he do to himself this time I don't understand"
Cindy sighed and put her fork down, gathering her thoughts before explaining further. "It's a long story, and I think because of one of his inventions, Neutron had a clone that looked exactly like him but was evil, somehow turned on him and took over his body. For days—maybe even longer—he wasn't himself. The evil clone was making him act cold, calculating, and honestly, terrifying. He hurt people, made awful choices, and he wasn't in control at all. It was horrible to see. Neutron was trying to fight it, but until recently, we didn't even know what was going on."
Sasha sat in silence for a moment, trying to digest the information. She always knew her daughter was involved with some pretty outlandish adventures, but the idea of an evil clone made her feel a bit queasy.
"That's…disturbing, to say the least," Sasha replied, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay, Cynthia? That sounds like a nightmare."
Cindy nodded, though there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. "I'm fine, Neutron fine too, now. He's back to himself. and guess who saved him...me!"
Sasha remained quiet, absorbing the gravity of her daughter's words. She didn't know much about Jimmy personally, other than the fact that he was a genius with a reputation for trouble, but hearing about evil clone unsettled her deeply. Cindy had always been close to him, and Sasha could see the emotional toll this whole ordeal had taken on her daughter.
Finishing her breakfast, Cindy rose from the table, feeling ready to head out and face the day.
Just before Cindy left, Sasha called out, "Cindy, wait."
Cindy stopped in the doorway, turning back to her mother with a curious expression.
Sasha hesitated for a moment, then spoke with an unexpected softness. "Tell Neutron… just tell him to be careful and take care of himself, alright?, this is better for all of us."
Cindy smiled gently, nodding in understanding. "I will, Mom. Thanks."
Cindy walked out of her house, the morning sun warming her face as she stepped onto the front porch. She was still replaying her conversation with her mom in her head when she froze in her tracks. Just a few feet away, sitting comfortably on a lawn chair in the front yard, was Jimmy.
It wasn't the sight of him that made her pause—it was what he was doing. Jimmy, was casually lounging in a chair, a glass of lemonade by his side, and his focus completely absorbed by something on his advanced iPad. The usual frenetic energy he carried was gone. There were no gadgets scattered around him, no new contraption half-built on the grass. Just…Jimmy, relaxing.
Cindy blinked, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. ...Oh... is this weird or just rare?... she thought, ...The important thing is that he is not in his lab, which is kind of convenient... Still, curiosity tugged at her. ...What exactly is he planning?... Knowing Jimmy, he couldn't just be relaxing—there had to be something more behind this peaceful appearance.
Hesitating for a moment, she bit her lip, deciding to sneak up and peek over his shoulder. If he was planning something big, she wanted to know. She crept forward slowly, keeping her steps as light as possible, her heart racing as she got closer to him. Jimmy remained focused on his iPad, his attention seemingly undivided. As she approached, Cindy craned her neck to see what he was watching, expecting to find schematics for a new invention or complex calculations for some experiment.
But to her surprise, it was none of that. Instead, she saw a video playing—a historic clip of an astronaut making a record-breaking jump from the edge of space, plummeting through the atmosphere before landing safely on the ground. . ...Wait... Cindy blinked. ...Jimmy's... really relaxing?...
Just then, without turning his head or even shifting his posture, Jimmy spoke, his voice calm and completely devoid of emotion. "I know you're there, Cindy."
Cindy flinched, caught off guard, her cheeks flushing slightly. "W-what?" she stammered, straightening up as if she hadn't just been sneaking around. "Oh, I was just... checking in on you—I mean, what exactly are you doing?"
Jimmy didn't react to her nervousness; he just kept his gaze on the iPad, watching the astronaut's descent. "You don't have to sneak around," he said coolly, still not looking at her. "What do you think I'm doing? Do you even have to ask?"
Cindy swallowed, feeling awkward. She was exhausted, barely holding it together after a sleepless night, and now here she was, trying to come up with an excuse. Her mind raced for something to say—anything to break the tension.
"Well, I just… I thought you were planning some crazy experiments or something," Cindy mumbled, rubbing the back of her neck. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, feeling the strain of her tired body catching up with her. "You're just watching videos... nothing more, right?"
Finally, Jimmy glanced up at her, his expression unreadable. "I think... I have no plans today."
Cindy felt her nerves start to settle. Maybe it was because he wasn't acting like his usual self—no arrogance, no teasing, no sharp remarks. Just calm, collected Jimmy. It was... strange, but at the same time, kind of nice. She found herself relaxing a little more.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Jimmy's lips. Cindy wasn't sure if it was one of pride or amusement, and it left her confused. Then, to her surprise, his voice softened. "I... um... don't know how to express my gratitude for saving my life... Thanks, Cindy."
Cindy blinked in surprise. "Uh... you mean about your evil clone?" she asked softly, moving to sit on the grass beside his chair. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them. "Yeah, I think I did... sure you would have done the same thing if I were you."
Jimmy nodded with a small, appreciative smile, took a sip of lemonade, and then focused back on the screen. "Anyway," he said, his voice carrying a sincerity she wasn't used to, "I apologize if I've caused you any trouble. I'll be more careful and try to stay out of it."
Cindy smiled faintly at his words, though a yawn escaped her. She was clearly still worn out from the previous night, and she couldn't hide it any longer. Jimmy noticed and gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.
"You didn't sleep much last night, did you?" he asked, his voice soft.
Cindy shook her head. "Not really. Too much on my mind, I guess."
An awkward silence fell between them as Jimmy flipped through videos on his device. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone still cool but somehow more relaxed. "I think Betty's still mad... it's better if we just stay away from her."
Cindy processed his words, then a thought hit her. "Hey... did you say *we*?"
Jimmy rolled his eyes, fully understanding her concern. "Yeah, *we.* I don't want any fights."
"So..." Cindy couldn't help but smile, feeling her heart flutter with nervous excitement. "Are you sure? I mean...you're saying you're staying away from Betty Quinlan."
Jimmy glanced at her for a brief moment before returning his attention to his device. "Cindy, please... she said her boyfriend is Nick, so I'm not going to waste my time trying to impress her." he said quietly, the sincerity in his voice clear. "It was hard for me but...it's over."
Cindy's heart skipped a beat at his words, and a wave of happiness washed over her. His reassurance, given in his typically understated way, made it clear that he was hers. She looked at him with gratitude, her smile softening as the weight of her sleepless night caught up with her.
Something had shifted in Jimmy's demeanor. He seemed calmer, kinder—even gentler than before. The arrogance that usually accompanied his brilliance was nowhere to be found. He wasn't teasing her or making sharp remarks; instead, he was relaxed, almost serene. Cindy knew Jimmy was fundamentally a good person, but this newfound peacefulness felt different—almost as if he had turned a corner. And that made her incredibly happy.
But a small question lingered in her mind: Would this calm, kind version of Jimmy last? Or was it just a phase, soon to be replaced by the competitive, sometimes arrogant boy she knew so well? Would a new challenge or a rivalry bring out his old habits again?
And since Jimmy is okay now, I was supposed to just add the ending but I changed my mind and wanted to continue, because there are still interesting things about Jimmy's character after he got rid of his evil clone and Cindy's character after that dream "what if" and she also felt guilty when she heard Jimmy and Betty's conversation about her bad behavior.