Even amidst the misery, the fear, the worry; Nick couldnt help but be amazed as he flew ten

meters over the empty dirt road. He felt his lips curl into a smile as the wind whished over his hair and took in a breath of the crisp fall breeze. Amidst the silent forest, with no one except Jimmy for company, he swore he could taste the seasons change. The leaves are falling fast, Jimmys brief remark broke Nick out of his thoughts. Last year they didnt start to drop for another week. Nick studied a particularly auburn oak tree and gave a tiny nod. Think well start going outside for gym soon? Im getting pretty sick of dodge ball. Im not, Jimmy quickly shot back. This is the first time in five years I havent had to worry about being beaned in the head by Cindy. Even though Nick could only see the back of Jimmys head, it was easy to spot the guilt wash over him. Nick couldnt help but chuckle. You want me to let her know you were making fun of her wheelchair? Idrather you didnt, Jimmy nervously answered. Nick was about to smile once more, but the memory put an end to that. It was a single image, almost as though someone had turned his eyes inwards and forced them to stare at a photograph in his mind. It was Cindy, lying on the floor of Goobots ship in a puddle of blood. Jimmys face was morphed into a twisted combination of fear and pain. Nick groaned and shook his head violently enough to nearly make him fall over. Nick? Jimmy worriedly asked while spinning around. Fine, Nick struggled to say while clutching his temple and sighing. Justmy head. Allergies, man. You know? Jimmy studied Nicks pained face for just a moment before looking back at the road before him. Allergies. Nick could almost feel Jimmys mind pondering the word throughout the brief silence, Yeah, I know. Nick rubbed his forehead for a few more seconds before leaning back in his seat. Neutron, how is she doing, anyway? I havent talked to her all week. Jimmy narrowed his eyes slightly as he spotted a raccoon skitter underneath the hover car and dive into a bush. The pains much better. She can move her legs and walk herself to the bathroom. Nick slowly nodded. Good deal.

A silence came over the two boys yet again. Nick could tell Jimmys mind was working; quickly trying to solve some unknown problem. Eventually, the genius flipped a few switches on the hover cars control panel and turned around. Should you, he began, but Jimmy interrupted. Its on autopilot. Can I ask you something? Nick met his gaze and nodded. Why did you ask me to come with you today? Nick narrowed his eyes at the question. How was he to answer that? Did Jimmy want the truth? If so, which version? That he was scared to leave town on his own? That he didnt want to face what lay ahead with no one by his side? Jimmy didnt let the silence drag out. Dont get me wrong, Iappreciate the invitation. And Im far from a master on social etiquette, but isnt it unusual to invite a friend to your little cousins birthday party? Nick met Jimmys concerned gaze for a second longer before offering a playful smile. Alright, you caught me, Neutron. Guess I had an ulterior motive. I needed a ride. Jimmys gaze shifted ever so slightly as he seemed to consider this. Why did Nick feel as though he were being interrogated? The thought made his skin flush from anger. Your dad couldnt bring you to Houston? Nick quickly shook his head. He had to pick up an extra shift. It took a moment, but Jimmy seemed to accept this. Well, glad I could help. Nick watched as Jimmy spun around and took control of the hover car. He allowed himself a near silent sigh of relief before clutching his forehead with a shaky hand. How had he come to this? A year ago he was the coolest kid in Retroville. A month ago he had been in charge of an army. Now look at me, Nick though in disgust. I cant leave town on my own, Im too scared to handle this party on my own, and now I cant even talk to Jimmy. A few moments passed in silence. Nick rested his arms on the side of the hover car and watched the trees become replaced by buildings. Nick nervously swallowed but gave a nod of conviction as he opened his mouth. Thats it over there. Mentus Avenue, he pointed to his right. Whats the address? Jimmy asked while slowing down to turn. Nick shook his head. Dont need it. Thats it right there.

The hover car silently pulled to a stop in an empty parking space. Nick rose to his feet, but Jimmy motioned for him to wait. Nick sat back down, and the car slowly descended onto the ground. Jimmy nodded, and both boys hopped over the side. Nick reached back in to grab a large gift bag. The two friends stared at the three-story building before them. A dozen brightly colored letters spelled out Houston Arena. Nick and Jimmy glanced quickly at each other before heading to the entrance. So, uh, whats your cousins name again? Jimmy slowly asked. Mikey, Nick quickly answered. Hes turning ten today. Concern overtook Jimmys face as he slowed his pace. Should I have brought a present? Nick chuckled. I think your smiling face is present enough, Neutron. Jimmy rolled his eyes but bit his tongue as they threw open the buildings double doors at the same time. Both immediately recoiled as the sounds of children screaming, arcade machines beeping, and overly cheerful music assaulted their ears. Nick took the first step forward towards the welcome desk. He immediately put on his usual smile as he approached the woman behind the desk. Hello! Can I help you? she cheerily asked. Nick waited for Jimmy to pull up beside him before leaning an elbow on the desk. Id sure appreciate that. Im looking for Michael Deans party. The woman smiled at Nick in what Jimmy hoped was an innocent kindly gesture. Its straight ahead in the arcade. Theres a sign above the table. Nick nodded and uttered a quick, Thanks. He then turned to Jimmy and motioned for him to follow. Come on, Neutron. Nick immediately spotted the banner with his cousins name on it. His smile grew as he clutched his present tight and approached the long table beneath it. The lone adult present spun around and gave a huge grin when he saw Nick approaching. Nicholas! the man said while opening his arms wide. Uncle Ray, Nick said with a happy huff while walking towards the man. He allowed himself to be wrapped in the hug and patted his uncles back. Nicholas? Jimmy whispered in confusion.

The embrace ended and Nick took a few steps back. I wish Id had a party like this when I was ten, Nick uttered with an air of envy while sizing the arcade up. Ray crossed his arms and chuckled while leaning agains the table. Maybe Ill do your sweet sixteen, kid. Nick rolled his eyes but couldnt hide his smile. Get me a car and you can call my party anything you want. Ray smiled wider and pushed himself off of the table. He gave Nicks shoulder a hearty clasp. Thanks for coming, Nick. Really. Mikey appreciates it. Jimmy cocked his head to the side as Nick assured his uncle it was no big deal. Jimmy had never seen Nick like this before. Nick finally looked his way, and his eyes seemed to flash with a silent apology. Uncle Ray, this is my friend Jimmy, he explained while strolling over to James. Jimmy looked up at the enormous man towering before him. Its, uh, a pleasure to meet you. Ray immediately smiled and offered his hand, which Jimmy quickly took. Any friend of Nicks is a friend of mine, he cheerfully uttered while shaking Jimmys hand. Jimmy nodded, unsure of what to say. YeahNicks awesome. Ray laughed and released Jimmys hand, which began to throb slightly. Jimmy squeezed it under his armpit as Nick handed Ray the present. Where is the birthday boy, anyway? he asked. I think he was playing air hockey with one of his friends. Its that way, Ray explained while pointing to the far end of the arcade. Nick nodded and once more motioned for Jimmy to follow him. Lets move then, Neutron. Jimmy looked over his shoulder and watched Ray place Nicks present with the others. Your familys nice, he offered. The only people who would have recognized Nicks reaction were Jimmy and Betty. It was just the tiniest of hesitations, no more than a millisecond that he halted in place. But Jimmy saw his legs freeze and his mouth twitch. Yeah, they are, Nick uttered after the slightest of pauses. Jimmy slightly cocked his head once more and made a note of this strange occurrence as they reached the air hockey table.

Any trace of Nicks worry vanished as he caught site of the tiny blonde-haired boy at the air hockey table. The child was desperately swinging his paddle over every inch of the table in what even Jimmy knew was a poor defensive maneuver. His opponent, a slightly taller freckled boy, waited a moment before slamming his puck straight ahead and into Mikeys goal. Goooooaaaal! The boy shouted while raising his arms in joyous exultation. Mikey released his grip on his paddle and sighed before noticing Nick walking up. The despair immediately vanished away from his face. Nick! You came! he happily shouted while running up to him and Jimmy. Nick smiled back and nodded while extending a fist forward. Mikey grinned wider and slammed his knuckles against Nicks. I had to reschedule a few things, but I made time, Nick uttered with amusement. Mikey beamed up at his cousin and excitedly looked around the arcade. Isnt this great? I never thought Dad would actually let me have a party here! Nick looked around the arcade once more and nodded in approval. Its definitely a step up from bowling last year. Jimmy watched as Nick and Mikey shuddered at some hidden joke. Nick then motioned at Jimmy. Mikey, this is my friend Jimmy. He gave me a lift here in his hover car. Mikeys eyes widened in delight. Jimmy Neutron? The one who fought all the aliens? Jimmy pulled back a little in shock. Youve heard of me? Mikey nodded excitedly. Nick told me all about how you two went in space a couple years ago! He said you fought evil egg-aliens and saved your parents! And Nick beat a giant chicken single-handed! Jimmys lips curled upwards of their own accord at the mention of Nicks confrontation with Poultra. Nick immediately narrowed his eyes and shook his head. Jimmy let out an amused huff before nodding at Mikey. Yeah, that chicken had nothing on Nick. Mikey smiled wider. Youre so lucky! Im in fifth grade and all we do is go to stupid museums. He kicked the floor in agitation before turning to Nick. And you said you went back in space last month! Why didnt you invite me? Again, Jimmy noticed the change in Nicks demeanor. He kept his smile, but his eyes darkened and his right hand trembled ever so slightly. Maybemaybe next time, buddy. It, Nick hesitated and forced himself to smile wider, can be dangerous up there.

Mikey rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to protest this, but it slammed shut as he stared past Nick. He blinked nervously and quickly looked away. Im going to go in the ball pit. See you later, he quickly said while spinning around and heading off. Nick raised in eyebrow in confusion and spun around. His gaze immediately hardened as he stared at the teenager approaching him. Jimmy watched as the scowling teen marched towards them. Jimmy guessed the boy was fifteen and watched as he stopped a hair too close to Nick. So you did end up coming, huh? the teenager asked while crossing his arms and glaring at Nick. No reason not to, Terry, Nick shot back. Jimmy noticed his right hand begin to tremble before Nick clenched it into a fist. Terry glared at Nick for another moment before turning to Jimmy. He glared at the genius as well before giving smiling in amusement. So, finally come out of the closet, huh? Good for you, Nick. Nick all but growled as he clenched his fist tighter. Still jealous I got a girlfriend before you? Terry shrugged. Yeah, Im so impressed by your ability to date someone for a week and then be dumped. Nicks scowl was all Terry needed to continue. He sized Jimmy up before nodding. This one seems cute, though. Im sure you two will last. Hes not gay, Nick angrily uttered. In fact, hes got a girlfriend. Though Jimmy had faced a hostile alien race and maniacal teenager not a month prior, he still was growing anxious over this confrontation. Nicks defense gave him the courage to smile at Terry. Yeah, he happily uttered. And shes pretty hot, Nick aggressively added. Yeah, Jimmy shot back with more confidence. He then pulled back and eyed Nick in shock. What? Nicks eyes bugged open as he glanced nervously at Jimmy. What? he innocently asked. Terry laughed before spinning around and walking away. Enjoy your first fight, guys. Nick glared after the teenager for several seconds before unclenching his fist. Asshole, he muttered under his breath.

Who the heck was that? Jimmy asked while watching Terry disappear amidst the other guests. Nick sighed and met Jimmys curious stare. Terry. Hes Mikeys older brother. He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment before walking back to his uncles table. We dont like him. What did you ever do to him? Jimmy slowly asked. Nick halted in place and glared down at Jimmy. I never did anything. Hes an asshole and a bully. Hes just jealous because hes dumb as dirt and twice as ugly. And Im not letting ruin Mikeys party. Jimmy studied Nicks face and remembered how he had seemed nervous upon entering the party. He then thought back to their conversation in the hover car. Isthat why you wanted me to come? Nicks face belayed shock for the slightest of moment before he laughed. Yeah, you nailed it, Neutron. I needed you for backup in case we went at it. No offense, but youre not exactly Mr. Muscles. Jimmy studied Nicks expression, trying to figure out what Nick was hiding. Nick noticed this and turned away. Stop doing that, he warned while walking abck to the table. His uncle was nowhere ins eat, and both boys took a seat. Doing what? Jimmy asked while pouring himself a drink from a pitcher of soda. Studying me, Nick angrily mumbled while ripping the pitcher from Jimmys grasp and pouring his own drink. Jimmy looked away and apologized. Sorry. Nicks gaze softened and he sighed. He remembered lying to Jimmy in the hover car and ran a hand over his forehead. He hesitated for a moment before clenching his teeth. You were right, okay? Jimmy recoiled in shock. You really do want me to protect you? Nick glared angrily at Jimmy. Dont be stupid. I asked you to come to keep us from fighting in the first place. Jimmy pondered this for a moment. Nick didnt let him finish before he continued speaking. Anyone ever tell you youre a nice guy, Jimmy? Jimmy had no idea how to respond to that. He waited for a moment before slowly answering with, My mom did.

Nick chuckled. I like Mikey. Hes a great kid. I want to be at his birthday party. But Im sick of Terry and his bullshit. So I wanted you here to keep me from punching him in his face. Jimmy considered this before taking a sip of his drink. Since were being honest now, why does Terry hate you? Nick shrugged and grabbed a handful of chips from the bowl in front of him. Whys Butch a jerk? Some people just suck, Neutron. Isnt Butch your friend?