A/N: Chapter five is here!

Enjoy!

Libby left Cindy's house to head home for dinner. Cindy messaged Jimmy asking if she could come over. She wanted to talk to him about several things. Her first kiss being the main thing.

Jimmy confirmed that she could come over and Cindy made her way downstairs. Her mother was walking out of the kitchen as Cindy was putting on her shoes. "Where are you going?" Mrs. Vortex asked.

"Science project with Jimmy," Cindy replied coolly.

"Can it wait? We're just about to eat dinner."

Cindy rolled her eyes. "Mom, you know how he is." She figured Jimmy's annoying reputation was well known throughout the community.

Mrs. Vortex sighed. "Alright, but tell him that he needs to respect your time. You have other priorities too."

"Okay, Mom." Cindy smiled to herself, not at all surprised that it had worked. She walked out the front door and crossed the street over to Jimmy's lab. She knocked twice and heard the click of the lock. She took a deep breath and opened the door, ready to confront him about the new details she had learned.

As she entered the lab, she saw him sitting at a table hunched over. "What are you working on?" She asked.

"Science project," Jimmy responded without looking up.

"The one for class? Aren't we supposed to work on that together?"

"It doesn't matter. I told you at school that I would take care of it."

That stomach sensation was back. Cindy had started calling it her 'Jimmy sense' since it only ever occurred when Jimmy was doing something that annoyed her. Cindy pushed past the sensation. While it bothered her that he was working on the project without her, she had other things on her mind.

"Whatever. I have a few questions to ask you."

Jimmy stopped what he was doing and turned around. "I'm not really in the mood for a memory lesson."

"I feel like you owe me," Cindy started.

"I owe you? For what?" Jimmy scowled.

"Lying to me."

Jimmy's heart raced. Had she found out? He had to play it cool. "What did I lie to you about?" He asked casually.

"You said you were telling me the events that would stand out the most to me."

"Yeah, and that's what I've been doing."

"So you giving me my first kiss doesn't seem like a major event to you?"

Jimmy felt his face flush. "I, uh, I-I didn't think that was something you would want me to tell you. I figured you would get mad. Wait, did you remember that on your own?"

Cindy cringed. She hadn't thought this all the way through. She would have to tell Jimmy that she told Libby about the accident. "No, Libby told me. She kept asking me about a bunch of stuff that I didn't have the answers to because of the accident, so I had to tell her what happened. Sorry."

Jimmy relaxed slightly. "Oh. Okay." He turned back around, relieved that Cindy was still unaware of his big lie.

"That's it? You don't care that I told Libby? She was cool about it, by the way."

"It's fine. I figured it would probably happen eventually. You're not a very good actress."

"Excuse me?"

Jimmy faced her again. "You keep using the same old excuses when people bring up something you don't remember. It's not very believable."

"Then what would you suggest, Neutron?" Calling him Neutron continued to feel more and more natural to Cindy.

Before Jimmy could respond, the intercom buzzed. "Jimmy, it's time for dinner." His mom's voice came over the speakers.

"Okay, I'll be right up," Jimmy replied.

"I saw Cindy walk back to the clubhouse a few minutes ago. Would you like to join us, dear?"

"Cindy was just leaving." Jimmy glared at Cindy as he spoke.

"I would love to stay for dinner. Thanks, Mrs. Neutron!" Cindy smiled smugly at Jimmy.

"Wonderful! I'll get an extra plate out for you." Jimmy's mom beamed before clicking off the intercom.

"What are you doing? Why do you want to eat dinner with my family?" Jimmy asked, annoyed.

"Oh, does it bother you?"

"Kinda, yeah."

"Good. Now you'll be forced to be nice to me. Let's see if your acting skills hold up." Cindy turned around and started up the stairs.

Jimmy huffed as he followed Cindy. "You're so annoying."

"That's right, get it out now. We're almost to your house. Better put on a happy face."

Jimmy and Cindy made it to the back door of the Neutron home. "Watch me charm your parents into a stupor," Cindy whispered as they walked into the house.

Jimmy rolled his eyes. "Sure, right after gravity starts working in reverse."

"Cindy, I'm so glad you're joining us for dinner," Mrs. Neutron cooed as Jimmy and Cindy entered the kitchen.

"Thank you so much for inviting me, Mrs. Neutron. It smells wonderful."

Jimmy rolled his eyes as they settled into their chairs. "You don't have to lay it on so thick," he muttered.

"What, dear?" Mrs. Neutron asked, scooping some potatoes onto her plate.

"I was just telling Cindy that we'll have to work on our project later."

"Yeah, Jimmy's been working really hard on it," Cindy commented as she accepted the potatoes from Mrs. Neutron.

"Jimmy, didn't we talk about not taking over group projects? You have to let the others help out," Jimmy's mom chided.

Jimmy glared at Cindy, knowing she phrased her comment that way on purpose. "She's helping. I think she's just been a little distracted."

"Is everything alright, dear?" Mrs. Neutron looked at Cindy concerned.

Cindy furrowed her brow. "Everything's fine. I don't know what Jimmy is referring to."

A sly smile grew on Jimmy's face. Now was his chance to get even. "Ever since I asked you to the banquet, you've been kind of distracted."

Cindy felt her face flush as she narrowed her eyes.

"You did ask her!" Mr. Neutron chimed in. "See? I knew it was a good idea! Sugar Booger, you owe me a blueberry pie!"

"Hugh!"

Cindy covered her mouth trying to stifle a laugh, while Jimmy sat utterly flabbergasted that his parents had made a bet about him asking Cindy out.

"Cindy, I apologize for my husband's behavior. He doesn't seem to know when certain conversations are meant to be kept private." Mrs. Neutron shot a warning glance over to Mr. Neutron.

"What? It's not like it's a secret now. If he asked her on a date, then obviously she knows that Jimmy likes her," Mr. Neutron defended himself.

Jimmy stood up and stormed out of the kitchen, toward the clubhouse, slamming the door behind him.

"Hubert, go apologize to your son. Now."

"If it's alright with you, Mr. and Mrs. Neutron, I think I better go talk to him," Cindy said softly. She was feeling guilty for goading Jimmy. "Thank you for inviting me to dinner."

Mrs. Neutron smiled weakly. "You're welcome, dear. I'm sorry it got a bit dramatic over here."

Cindy smiled back as she stood up and walked outside. She didn't know if Jimmy would talk to her, but she had to at least try. She walked over to the clubhouse and knocked on the door. Nothing happened. She knocked again. Still nothing. "Jimmy, come on."

"Go away." Jimmy's voice came out through the speaker on the VOX 2000.

"You're being ridiculous."

"Go. Away."

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? Let me in so we can talk about it."

Jimmy said nothing.

Cindy sighed, defeated. She couldn't believe she was about to grovel. "I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have invited myself to dinner. I just wanted to get on your nerves, and I guess it worked a little too well. Let me in. Please?"

There was a long pause, until suddenly, Cindy heard the lock click open. She quickly opened the door and made her way down to the lab. She saw Jimmy sitting with his back turned to her. His face was buried in his arms as he hunched over his desk. She walked closer to him, not really knowing what to do or say.

She stood there for a long moment in silence. She finally mustered up some courage and said, "are you okay?"

"Never better," he said, his voice muffled by his arms.

Cindy went quiet again. She didn't think he would be that upset about it. "I didn't mean t— I didn't think th—" Cindy wasn't sure what to say.

"It's fine." Jimmy mumbled again.

Cindy decided to try a different tactic. She chuckled lightly. "I guess your plan to embarrass me at dinner backfired."

Jimmy scoffed, finally sitting up and turning around. "My dad's a buffoon. He doesn't know when to shut up."

"He was right though."

"What?"

"I know you like me. Or I guess liked me. You probably hate me now."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, obviously you liked me if we were going out. But ever since the accident you don't really seem to like me," Cindy explained.

"You told me that you didn't want me to act like we were together. You said you couldn't stand me, remember?"

"I know I said that, and I'm sorry. We were obviously friends when we were younger. What changed? Why did we really feel like we had to date in secret?"

Jimmy didn't know what to say. He didn't want to build up an even bigger lie, but he couldn't tell her the truth either. He just shrugged.

Cindy took a deep breath, trying not to get frustrated with his non-answer. "Okay then. I guess it doesn't matter anyway, seeing as you like Betty now," Cindy blurted out without thinking. Her hand covered her mouth again, this time in shock at what she had just said.

Jimmy furrowed his brow. "Betty? I don't like Betty. I mean I do, as a friend. Why do you think I like her?"

"Nothing. Forget I said anything."

"You saw me humiliated at dinner. I think you owe me." Jimmy had a small smile on his face, his mood lifting.

Cindy felt her face get hot. Why had she said that? And, more importantly, why did she care? "Yesterday. At the Candy Bar. You were hanging out with her," Cindy explained vaguely.

"And that automatically means that I like her? I was hanging out with Sheen and Carl too. No offense to Libby, but Sheen's not really my type, and neither is Carl. And weren't you on a date with Nick? Why were you watching me?"

"I wasn't watching you! I saw Betty walk in and she smiled when she saw you before she walked over to your table." Cindy overexplained.

"Jealous?" Jimmy smiled.

"Of Betty? Yeah right."

"I mean, it's not entirely implausible. You used to be jealous of her."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah, when we were kids. You don't remember?"

Cindy shook her head. "Betty and I have been friends since the fifth grade."

"Yeah, but before that you… oh." Jimmy smiled to himself, suddenly realizing why Cindy didn't remember being jealous of Betty.

"What?" Cindy looked confused.

"Nothing." Jimmy shook his head, smiling.

Cindy rolled her eyes, annoyed. "Well, clearly you're in a better mood, so I guess I'll get going. If you're planning on working on the science project, will you at least let me know? I don't like riding coattails."

"Sure, Vortex. See you later."

"Bye, Neutron."

Cindy walked over to her house, still confused. What did Jimmy mean she had been jealous of Betty? Sure, Betty was pretty and everyone liked her, but Cindy didn't care about that stuff. She paused when she got to her front porch. Libby had said that Cindy had a crush on Jimmy in middle school. Was that what Jimmy was referring to? Had he and Betty dated and Cindy was jealous? It made sense that she wouldn't remember Betty dating Jimmy. But then how were he and Betty still friends? Surely they couldn't be that amicable. Cindy shook the thoughts loose from her head and walked inside.

"Cindy? I saved you some dinner. Come eat," her mother hollered from the kitchen.

Cindy felt her stomach growl. In all the commotion over at the Neutrons', Cindy realized that she hadn't eaten. She walked into the kitchen and sat at the counter, where her mother unwrapped a plate from some foil. "Thanks, Mom."

"I don't know how Judy deals with that son of hers always working away. It's no wonder that he has poor manners, never socializing." Mrs. Vortex thought out loud.

"Jimmy's not that bad," Cindy said, taking a bite of the lukewarm chicken on her plate.

"Don't talk with food in your mouth," Mrs. Vortex scolded. "No, I know he is very polite, Judy is a great mother, but expecting you to just drop everything to work on a school assignment is ridiculous. You have other obligations too. Your other grades better not be slipping because of this science project."

"Mom, it's fine. The project is due on Friday, so it's practically done." Cindy had no idea if that was true or not, since Jimmy was doing the project himself.

"That's good to hear. I don't want you slacking. You need to start thinking about your future."

If only I could remember my past. Cindy thought. Jimmy was so much a part of her childhood that she remembered almost none of it. At the rate they were going, she and Jimmy would still be working on her memories until after his banquet. She suddenly had a realization that she needed a dress for the banquet, and while she didn't really want to ask her mom about it, she knew she would need some money to get a dress. Plus, she would have to tell her mom about the event sometime anyway. "Hey, Mom? This is kind of a weird question, but I need to get a formal dress."

"That's not a question."

Cindy sighed. "Can we go to the dress boutique tomorrow? I need a formal dress."

"For what? Prom isn't for a few months. Did someone already ask you? Was it that nice young man you went out with yesterday? How was that? You never told me about it."

Cindy was hoping to avoid talking with her mother about her date. "No, it's not for prom, and it's not Nick. Jimmy has some award thing at the end of the month and he asked me to go with him."

"I'm confused. I thought you liked this boy Nick. Why are you now going on a date with Jimmy?"

"It's not a date, really. We just made a deal. I said I would go with him, and he's helping me with some homework."

Mrs. Vortex pursed her lips, disapprovingly. "If it's not a date, then you don't need a new dress. Just wear your homecoming one. It was so adorable on you."

Cindy thought back to homecoming. She had gone with her friends in a big group, but remembered that as the night wore on, slowly everyone started pairing off, leaving her alone. She didn't remember much after that. Had she blocked the memory, or had she spent it with Jimmy so she didn't remember it? "Yeah, I guess that's a good idea," Cindy replied to her mother.

Mrs. Vortex nodded her approval and walked out of the kitchen. Cindy finished eating her dinner and cleaned up her plate. She walked up to her room and closed the door. After the evening she had, she needed to do some Jimmy homework.

Jimmy's dad apologized for embarrassing him when Jimmy came back into the house after Cindy left. Jimmy grabbed his plate that his mom had left on the table for him and took it up to his room to eat while he worked on his speech. He sat at his desk, waiting for his computer to boot up, and reflected on the conversation he had with Cindy.

Of course, he knew that Cindy had liked him in fifth grade, but he didn't think that she would actually be jealous of his crush on Betty. He had always just assumed that Cindy was jealous of Betty because she was popular. He wondered how long Cindy had liked him, and when she had stopped liking him.

He thought back to what Cindy had said: So you giving me my first kiss doesn't seem like a major event to you? Of course it was a major event. He found it ironic that he had been so bold back then to do something like that, and now he was too chicken to even tell Cindy that he liked her. That he had always liked her. Even in her current state and his boldfaced lie, he still couldn't tell her, even when she pointed it out to him. This situation was getting extremely complicated.

Jimmy made a mental list of Cindy's life events that he shared with her that he didn't want to tell her. These events were ones that would most likely trigger some memory, but were also ones that would make it seem like his lie was true, and he didn't want to make it any more believable than he already had.

Number one on his list was when they were stranded on that island. He could not bring that up. He also thought about that time when they had super powers and Cindy had talked him down from destroying everything, and she nearly admitted her feelings for him. Or when they went to Mars and he admitted his feelings for Cindy. That reminded him about their last trip to the Helix Nebula in eighth grade. He remembered that he was going to ask her to the eighth grade dance and he had planned on making her a stardust globe to ask her, which is why they had gone to the Helix Nebula in the first place.

He opened his desk drawer and pulled out the old, unfinished gift. He never asked her to the dance because he couldn't get the colors right inside the globe. He took that as a sign that he shouldn't ask her, and he had shoved his feelings down and they had gone back to their old bickering ways.

This award banquet was his redemption. Well, it was supposed to be. Had he not spit out such a terrible lie, it could have been. Now it was an event that he should be excited for, but he wasn't. He was the youngest person to ever be accepted into the Institute for National Innovators in Sciences, but all he could think about was how he had completely screwed everything up with Cindy. He would never have a chance with her now.

Cindy flipped through her diary, looking for any mention of Jimmy. She was looking in the middle school years. She was trying to see if she had written anything about Jimmy and Betty dating. She would be able to tell from her own tone whether or not she was jealous.

She couldn't find anything about Jimmy and Betty dating. She hardly mentioned Betty at all, but Jimmy was mentioned in almost every passage. Libby had been right: Cindy definitely had a crush on Jimmy in middle school. But nothing alluded to the fact that she had been jealous of anybody.

Cindy thumbed the page of her diary and stopped on a page that had hearts drawn all over it. She looked at the date and did the math in her head. It was from towards the end of fifth grade. She decided to read it in full:

He kissed me! He actually kissed me! I can't believe Jimmy Neutron gave me my first kiss! I was taken totally by surprise. We had just finished our last news broadcast where we tricked Libby into sharing some fake alien story. We were walking home and he stopped and grabbed my hand. He pulled me closer to him and he kissed me!

I know I don't have anything to compare it to, but wow. I'm still in shock. We have been flirting with each other a lot more recently, and even though he never admitted it, I kinda had a feeling that he liked me back. And now that he kissed me, I know he does!

Cindy paused her reading. She felt weird, like she was reading someone else's diary, even though it was her own. She wondered what it felt like when he kissed her. Did she get butterflies in her stomach? What did she do after? She was mentally cursing her younger self for not being more detailed. Although, she was only eleven at the time, and she probably didn't think she would ever forget it. She continued reading.

I don't really know what the kiss means. Does Jimmy want to be my boyfriend? I really like him. He must like me too, right? Why else would he kiss me? I hope it means that he wants to be my boyfriend. I can't wait to see him tomorrow!

The rest of the page was filled with hearts and Jimmy's name written all over. Cindy cringed in embarrassment. She flipped to the next page to see what she had written, wondering what she and Jimmy had done the next day, but the next entry was over a week later (Cindy had never been very consistent at writing in her diary) and it didn't mention Jimmy at all. Cindy felt her 'Jimmy sense' except this time was a little different. She still had that same sensation in her stomach except now it was mixed with butterflies and sweaty palms. She was so confused. She knew that Jimmy annoyed her, but at the same time she had been spending so much time with him as he shared stories from their past that she was actually growing fond of him.

It was a weird sensation knowing that you were supposed to know somebody, but not actually remembering them. It was different than just meeting a stranger. If Jimmy and Cindy had actually met that afternoon in the lab after the accident, none of this would matter. She wouldn't be wondering why she had these weird mixed feelings about Jimmy. She would have just gone with her gut and knew that she didn't like him, but learning that they had gone through a lot together made her question everything

A/N: Not much to say here except that I have truly enjoyed writing Hugh Neutron in this story. While he has only shown up a couple of times, I love how goofy and clueless he is. Petition to add Hugh Neutron to more fanfiction!

Thank you for reading, and don't forget to leave a review.